Tim Cook’s letter to Apple staff following Donald Trump’s win will restore your faith in America

It’s not easy being a boss (or friend and entertainer, to be honest). And it must be especially hard being a boss in the US right now, with most of your employees are in an all-too-understandable flap about the election of Donald J. Trump as the new President.

Thank goodness then, for a boss like Apple CEO Tim Cook, who’s sent a nationwide memo to Apple employees, addressing the “strong feelings” everyone must be feeling this week and urging them to “move forward together”.

Cook doesn’t mention Trump by name in the memo, which was obtained by BuzzFeed, but you don’t need to be an Apple genius to read between the lines.

Trump had previously criticised Apple for their overseas manufacturing and data privacy, while the tech giants withdrew funding from the Republican National Convention in protest over Trump’s presumptive-nomination.

Cook calls his employees as “one big family”, clearly synched with the tensions felt not just within his own company, but across the US, and around the world.

It’s reassuring to know a major business like Apple is speaking up for the importance of diversity and tolerance – a direct challenge the social division and unrest caused by Trump’s campaign and election.

Read his letter below:

Team,

I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.

We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.

While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.

I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious.

Let’s move forward — together!

Best,

Tim