Snap's CEO Sets New Hires Up for Failure to Test Resilience

Snap Inc.'s CEO, Evan Spiegel, employs a distinctive strategy for hiring and integrating new employees. He seeks out individuals who exhibit three key personality traits: grit, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks. Once a candidate is hired, Spiegel intentionally sets them up to fail on their first day. This method is designed to evaluate the new hire's resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

Spiegel's philosophy is grounded in the belief that failure is a crucial component of growth and learning. By creating a demanding environment, he aims to identify individuals who can excel under pressure and demonstrate the grit and adaptability required to succeed at Snap. This approach also allows Spiegel to assess a new hire's problem-solving abilities and their capacity to think creatively in the face of adversity.

This unconventional strategy has yielded positive results for Snap. Under Spiegel's leadership, the company has experienced significant growth and innovation. Many employees attribute the challenging onboarding process as instrumental in developing the skills and mindset necessary for success in their roles. Spiegel's approach to hiring and onboarding reflects his dedication to cultivating a culture of resilience and adaptability within the company.

Spiegel's method of setting new hires up for failure on their first day is a deliberate tactic to gauge their ability to handle pressure and adapt to difficult situations. This approach is not about punishing new employees but rather about fostering an environment where creativity and problem-solving are valued. By pushing new hires to come up with innovative solutions under challenging conditions, Spiegel aims to identify those who can thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

This strategy aligns with Spiegel's broader vision for Snap, which is to create a workplace that encourages risk-taking and innovation. By intentionally creating a challenging onboarding process, Spiegel ensures that only the most resilient and adaptable individuals make it through, thereby strengthening the company's overall talent pool. This approach has contributed to Snap's success in maintaining a competitive edge in the tech industry.

In summary, Evan Spiegel's unique hiring and onboarding strategy at Snap Inc. is designed to identify and nurture individuals who possess the grit, adaptability, and risk-taking abilities necessary to succeed in a challenging work environment. By setting new hires up for failure on their first day, Spiegel aims to foster a culture of resilience and innovation, which has proven effective in driving the company's growth and success. This approach underscores Spiegel's commitment to building a workforce that can thrive under pressure and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the tech industry.