These 2004 Apple 'rules for success' show why the company was so successful
"Have fun, otherwise it’s not worth it"
Back in 2004, Apple wasn’t quite the all-conquering behemoth it is today.
Even so, the company was beginning to lay the foundations for its dominance, but some of the ground rules from its higher-ups point towards what would follow.
Redditor ‘wowbobwow’ has shared a set of ‘rules for success’ presented to him by former Apple VP John ‘JB’ Brandon back in 2004, when the late Steve Jobs was at the helm of the company.
The 11 rules are as simple as they come, but have stayed with him for 13 years, during which time he has left Apple and gone onto new things.
Attached to the employee badge back in the early 2000s, the rules were as follows:
When I was hired by Apple in 2004, these "rules for success" were attached to the back of my employee badge. Words to live by.1. Let go of the old, make the most of the future
2. Always tell the truth, we want to hear the bad news sooner than later
3. The highest level of integrity is expected, when in doubt, ask
4. Learn to be a good businessperson, not just a good salesperson
5. Everyone sweeps the floor
6. Be professional in your style, speech and follow-up
7. Listen to the customer, they almost always get it
8. Create win/win relationships with our partners
9. Look out for each other, sharing information is a good thing
10. Don’t take yourself too seriously
11. Have fun, otherwise it’s not worth it
They range from the practical – listening to customers, an approach which has served the company well in the rise of the Macbook and iPhone, among other devices – to less business-orientated device like ‘don’t take yourself too seriously’.
These days it might be commonplace for tech companies to attempt to strike the balance between employee culture and technological development, but it’s rarely laid out so simply.
Whether or not you’re able to follow the rules to the letter, it’s fair to say they offer an approach which – unlike some other industry trends – is never likely to become outdated.
(Main image: Rex Features)
