Page 53 - The Apple Experience

employees to ask, “What would Steve do?” Instead he wanted them to do
what’s right. Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona agrees with

that philosophy. “I really care about having an atmosphere where my players

care about doing the right thing,” Francona said shortly after leading the
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Red Sox to the World Series Championship in 2004, the first time the club

had won a World Series in eighty-six years. “For me it would be silly to walk

around like a drill sergeant,” said Francona. Instead Francona cultivated a

clubhouse culture where, despite some big egos, players understood the
ultimate direction of the team, respected each other, and were confident

about doing what’s right for the team instead of gratifying their own egos.

The players respected their coach and were fiercely loyal to each other on the

field.

When you create an atmosphere where good players want to do the right

thing—in retail or in sports—it doesn’t guarantee that you will win “the

championship,” but it will guarantee that you are putting your team in the
best position to win.

A Fearless Fit

The clothing store chain Men’s Wearhouse has fostered what it calls a

“fearless and energized workplace.” During a one-day trip to Los Angeles to

meet with a client, an ABC News producer called me unexpectedly to
schedule an important interview that would air on a national program. I had

not packed a suit or a tie for this trip, and I really felt like the topic required

more formal attire. So I did what thousands of other men must have done

that day—dropped into a Men’s Wearhouse to buy some nice-fitting clothes

that look good without breaking the bank. I purchased two coats and two