37Signals is Open for Questions
Thursday, March 8th, 2007 leave comment orThe team at 37Signals have asked the question: "What do you want to know?" Out of this has come some great questions and very interesting answers. I couldn’t agree more with this response:
What I am most interested in is how you (Jason) sought out the talent/team that is 37signals…
"We look for great people. I’m not talking about talent (yet), I’m talking about character. Everyone that works at 37signals is a great person. Trustworthy, considerate, curious, passionate, motivated, smart, good teachers, good listeners, responsible, mature, kind.
I would never hire someone I didn’t like as a person. I don’t care if he/she is a rockstar designer or programmer or whatever—if I don’t like them as a person they won’t be working here.
You must trust the people you work with. You must be able to learn from the people you work with.
As far as talent goes, you just have to know what to look for. It’s not really possible to explain that in words. It’s more of a feeling. And it also has a lot to do with the culture. The talent has to fit the culture. Programmers who only care about programming aren’t welcome at 37signals. Same with designers who only care about design. The talent needs to respect the other talent.
Most of all, I think it’s about seeing the potential in people. We all have a lot to learn, so it’s not always fair to hire someone based only on what they can do today. You need to be able to figure out where they can go. What they can get better at. And what they want to get better at."
Great answer Jason!