Steve Jobs was a visionary, but not an easy person. Especially during lunch breaks, many Apple employees wanted nothing to do with him – and there was a clear reason for that: The break often turned into a job interview.
Why didn’t employees want to eat with Jobs? Steve Jobs was known for his eccentric personality and high demands – not only for his products but also for the people around him. While many executives used lunch breaks to interact with colleagues or just unwind, it was quite different with Jobs.
Employees reported that having lunch with him was a rather strenuous experience. Jobs used the time to ask questions, discuss ideas, and especially to expose the weaknesses of his counterparts. It was less a relaxing break and more an intense job interview.
Many entrepreneurs dream of building a successful company like Steve Jobs. However, some ruin everything for themselves.
A joint meal as a daily test
What was a lunch break like? Jobs had a habit of being direct and uncompromising – sometimes to the point of pain. During a meal, he could confront employees with questions or even test their abilities. Therefore, many preferred a quiet lunch break without the former Apple CEO.
It is clear that a meeting with one’s boss could not always be avoided. According to Applesfera, a former intern in quality assurance remembered a particularly stressful moment:
“Why are you going downstairs? You should go upstairs to work,” Jobs said when he met him in the hallway.
Even though he said it in a joking tone, the young man turned pale. Because when you met Jobs, you never knew if he was joking or if he meant it seriously.
Why might this have been an advantage for Apple? Even though many employees probably avoided an invitation to lunch from the boss, Jobs’ tireless ambition was one of the reasons for Apple’s success. He constantly challenged his environment, sought innovations, and wanted to get the best out of his teams.
For him, discussing work during meals was not inappropriate – rather, it was a good opportunity to shape the best ideas. And even though his way was often uncomfortable, it helped propel Apple to the top of the tech world.
What is it like at Apple today? Today, Tim Cook is a completely different boss. He is seen as calm, analytical, and more socially accessible than his well-known predecessor. Apple is now also relying on more flexible work models – employees in Apple Park can work from home a few days a week, depending on their position, and even Cook himself admits to usually being remote on Fridays (via TableManners).
However, in times of political uncertainties, radical restructuring, and growing economic challenges, this could change again. Some companies want their employees back in the office – but that can backfire. One company ended remote work and now has an unusual problem: 25% of the employees are quitting
