Big companies Quote by Steve Jobs
“When you're in a start-up, the first ten people will determine whether the company succeeds or not. Each is 10 percent of the company. So why wouldn't you take as much time as necessary to find all the A players? If three were not so great, why would you want a company where 30 percent of your people are not so great? A small company depends on great people much more than a big company does.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Stanford Commencement Address, 2005
Early hires have outsized impact on a startup’s success; ensuring they are top talent is crucial.
In simple terms: First hires matter a lot.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize hiring A‑players early.
Themes
leadership
talent
startups
Mood
determined
optimistic
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- founder meetings
- venture capital pitches
- team building workshops
- performance reviews
Key Concepts
human capital
team dynamics
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance speed of hiring with quality?
- What criteria define an A‑player for your mission?
A Different Perspective
Finding perfect A‑players may be unrealistic; compromise may be needed.
