QuoteProject
When you're an engineer, you want to analyze things a lot. But if you believe that the most important data points are people, then you have to make conclusions in relatively short order. Because you want to push the people who are doing great. And you want to either develop the people who are not or, in a worst case, they need to be somewhere else.
Tim Cook
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Engineers must focus on people over data to promote growth effectively.

In this quote, Tim Cook emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human aspects in engineering and leadership roles. While data analysis is crucial, the ability to make quick decisions about supporting and developing people is essential for fostering a productive environment and ensuring team success. This perspective advocates for a balance between technical analysis and empathetic leadership.

Themes

EngineerPeopleDataGrowthLeadership

In practice

Example use cases

In a team meeting to encourage collaboration and support among engineers.

More from Tim Cook

The North Star has always been the same, which for us, is about making insanely great products that really change the world in some way - enrich people's lives.
Tim CookRead
There have been people that suggest that we should have a back door. But the reality is if you put a back door in, that back door's for everybody - for good guys and bad guys.
Tim CookRead
I don't subscribe to the view some people have in the industry that you should purposefully design products that do not last that long. I don't think it is good for anyone.
Tim CookRead
When technological advancement can go up so exponentially, I do think there's a risk of losing sight of the fact that tech should serve humanity, not the other way around.
Tim CookRead
Work takes on new meaning when you feel you are pointed in the right direction. Otherwise, it's just a job, and life is too short for that.
Tim CookRead
That has always been the objective of Apple: to do things that really enrich people's lives. That you look back on and you wonder, 'How did I live without this?'
Tim CookRead

Similar quotes

Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people.
George W. BushRead
In popular government results worth while can only be achieved by men who combine worthy ideals with practical good sense.
Theodore RooseveltRead
If, therefore, the Greeks or others say that they are not committed to Peter and to his successors, they necessarily say that they are not of the sheep of Christ, since the Lord says that there is only one fold and one shepherd (Jn.10:16). Whoever, therefore, resists this authority, resists the command of God Himself.
Pope Boniface ViiiRead
People like leaders who look like they are dominant, optimistic, friendly to their friends, and quick on the trigger when it comes to enemies. They like boldness and despise the appearance of timidity and protracted doubt.
Daniel KahnemanRead
Margaret Thatcher has shown that there is power and dignity to be won by defying the status quo and the majority rather than by adapting to them. If the British left, which she froze into immobility like Medusa, could bring itself to learn from this, then we might not have to look upon her like again.
Christopher HitchensRead
I think that we need women role models everywhere. I think that it's really hard to imagine yourself as something that you don't see.
Chelsea ClintonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.