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Elon Musk on Building Teams That Move Mountains: How to Recruit and Inspire World-Class Talent
- Startup Bell
- Oct 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Elon Musk believes that recruiting the right people means leading with a mission that’s bold and compelling. People want to know they’re part of something that’s truly worth the effort. A clear mission not only attracts talent but motivates them to pour “blood, sweat, and tears” into a shared vision. Think of SpaceX’s goal of making life multi-planetary—it's a daring vision that makes people feel like they’re contributing to a historic cause, not just a job.
Photo: The New Yorker
Creating Enjoyable Work: The Intrinsic Motivation Factor
One of Musk’s three keys to motivation is ensuring that people genuinely enjoy the work itself. When work aligns with an individual’s interests and skills, it becomes a source of intrinsic satisfaction. Take Tesla’s engineering team, for instance; they’re not just building cars but rethinking what vehicles can be, from sustainable energy to self-driving technology. People who are motivated by the work itself bring energy, ideas, and innovation, creating an environment where everyone feels excited to tackle the next challenge.
Fair Financial Rewards: Recognizing Talent
For Musk, fair financial compensation is essential for a motivated team. People need to feel valued for the work they do, and part of that value comes in the form of financial recognition. Tesla and SpaceX are known for paying competitive salaries, especially to those pushing boundaries in their fields. Fair pay is not just a perk; it’s a statement of the company’s appreciation of their contributions and a way to reward talent that brings value to the mission.
Making an Impact: Work That Truly Matters
Musk emphasizes that world-class people are driven by impact. For them, the question is, "Will my work make a difference in the world?" This is especially true at SpaceX, where engineers and scientists are part of a vision that could redefine the future of humanity. For those who crave impact, spending ten years on a project isn’t just a job commitment; it’s a legacy. Knowing their work could be instrumental in something as monumental as space travel provides the ultimate motivation.
Building Teams That Believe in the Impossible
Elon Musk’s approach is simple yet powerful: recruit people not just for skills but for shared values, a sense of purpose, and an undeniable passion to make an impact. When teams feel connected to a mission, enjoy their work, and know they’re making a difference, they’re not just showing up—they’re changing the world.
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