Page 48 - The Apple Experience

end of the exchange, however, everyone was laughing, getting along, and
feeling inspired about their new product.

Could You Go Toe-to-Toe with Steve Jobs?

Fearless does not mean insubordinate, obnoxious, or rude. Those are not the
qualities you want to see in people on your team. According to Gary Allen,

who maintains an extensive Apple Store blog, “Fearless feedback means that

anyone at any level can provide constructive feedback to any other employee

at any level. Not surprisingly this ties back to the original hiring process

which we know focuses on creating a team, not on a person’s technical skills.

In the hiring phase you must evaluate whether prospective employees can

both give and receive fearless feedback.”
4
How do you hire friendly, but fearless employees? A résumé will not

reveal fearlessness. A traditional job interview with contrived questions like,

“What’s your greatest weakness?” will not reveal fearlessness. True confidence

is revealed through conversations with hiring managers and employees.

“First and foremost, Apple is looking for a ‘type,’ not a person with vast

experience and knowledge,” says Gary Allen. “If you are a team player and

can fit into Apple’s work ethic and philosophy, the company will teach you

anything you need to know to meet their job performance goals. You do not

need retailing or computer repair experience to be hired.” You do, however,
need passion, spirit, and a collaborative attitude.

Apple has a three-step hiring process that can last more than one month.

A description of each step in the process follows.