Building Greatness: Steve Jobs’ Recruitment Philosophy

Steve Jobs wasn’t just a visionary; he was a master recruiter. His philosophy on hiring was clear: find people who are "insanely great" at what they do. But Jobs didn’t only look for seasoned professionals; he sought out individuals brimming with fresh perspectives and a deep understanding of the latest technology. These were people driven by passion and a desire to create something revolutionary for the masses.

Steve Jobs, co-founder, Apple

Photo: Norman Seeff

The Power of Passion Over Experience

For Jobs, passion was non-negotiable. He believed that expertise without passion would never lead to groundbreaking work. Consider the origins of the Macintosh team. Most members were young, not industry veterans, yet their enthusiasm and hunger to innovate resulted in a computer that redefined personal computing.

This approach was about seeing potential, not just résumés. It was about hiring people who not only knew the current state of technology but could envision what it could become.

The Magic of a Core Group

Jobs likened a great team to a self-regulating ecosystem. When you assemble a core group of talented individuals, they naturally raise the bar for anyone new who joins. "It becomes self-policing," he said. This creates a culture where mediocrity cannot thrive.

Take Pixar, for example. Jobs’ ability to foster such a group helped turn the animation studio into a storytelling powerhouse, producing hits like Toy Story and Finding Nemo.

Recruiting: The CEO’s Most Important Job

According to Jobs, recruiting wasn’t just another task—it was the task. Hiring the right people wasn’t a job for HR alone; it was the leader's responsibility to ensure a company’s DNA remained exceptional.

Consider Jeff Bezos, who shares a similar philosophy. At Amazon, Bezos was known to personally interview candidates in the early days to ensure cultural alignment. Both leaders understood that the future of their companies depended on who sat in the room today.

The Lesson for Leaders

The takeaway is simple yet profound: leaders must prioritize hiring. Look for passion, potential, and a hunger to innovate. Surround your team with exceptional individuals who push each other to greater heights.

In Jobs’ words, greatness isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about building a team that can achieve what one person never could—a team that changes the world.

Watch Steve Jobs:

Source: Steve Jobs On Recruiting People