October 26, 2023

One year ago, I explored one of the paramount elements of a thriving business: the art of building a top-tier team. I believe revisiting this topic is crucial in today's ever-evolving culture and climate.

When you think of Steve Jobs, what comes to mind? Apple? The iPod or iPhone? Or maybe you think of his characteristics such as: creativity, great communication, and revolutionary leadership? When I think of Steve Jobs, I think of his attention to detail, his high standards, and obsession with design. But did you know that he didn’t only apply this high standard to product design? He applied it to the design of his team as well.

Steve Jobs refused to compromise on the quality of the team he hired at Apple. In fact, Jobs believed that the most important thing he did at Apple was hiring. He personally managed all the hiring of his team. He never dumped it off on a lower-tiered manager. In his years at Apple he personally interviewed around 5000 different people applying for positions within the company.

In his book, Leading Apple with Steve Jobs, former Apple Senior Vice President Jay Elliot, says that Jobs was constantly after “A-list players.” Elliot mused, “I noticed that the dynamic range between what an average person could accomplish and what the best person could accomplish was 50 or 100 to 1. Given that, you’re well advised to go after the cream of the cream … A small team of A+ players can run circles around a giant team of B and C players.” 

One of the most important ingredients of a successful business is a good staff. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to hire the best. 

Here are some of the things that attract the best to your team: 

1. VISION attracts. If people believe in what you’re doing, it will pull them to you like a magnet.
2. EXCELLENCE attracts. People like to be a part of something they can be proud of. 
3. ORGANIZATION attracts. Chaos, confusion, and clutter are turnoffs to quality people.
4. TOOLS attract. People like to work for companies that provide them with the necessary, up to date equipment they need to do a good job.
5. TRAINING attracts. People like to work somewhere that fosters an environment of growth for their employees.
6. APPRECIATION attracts. People love to go where they feel wanted and appreciated.
7. SUCCESS attracts. People like to work for a winner.
   

Remember: Ultimately you attract what you are, not just what you want. So if you’re not happy with the kind of people you’re attracting, you might want to check on yourself and see if you’re modeling the above traits to your current and potential employees.

Recommended Book:  How the Best is Won - Lessons in Management from the Old West by Tom Haggai

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God is for you!
Pastor David Blunt