Inside Apple by Adam Lashinsky

Do you want to work at Apple? Or, have you ever dreamt of working at this company that changed everything with its iconic iPod, iPad, iPhones, and Macs? Or, you want to know how those great gadgets were created. Then, you will definitely enjoy reading this book by Adam Lashinsky.

“This insightful, eye-opening book reveals what Apple executives call the ‘secret sauce,’ namely the systems, tactics, and management strategies that allowed Steve Jobs and his company to churn out hit after hit and to inspire a cult-like following for its Macs, iPods, iPhones, and iPads.“

Apple’s culture and work ethics set it apart from the rest. With its culture of taking work seriously, very seriously, Apple was able to create products that are not just mere gadgets but are work of art in itself. The iPod, iPhone, iPad and, Macs are all great products that are revolutionary and has made a big "dent in the universe." It indeed changed everything. Once you read the book, you will get a very good glimpse of how it is to work at Apple.  By knowing its culture, you will see why Apple is totally different from other companies.

“Apple’s culture is the polar opposite of Googles’s, where flyers announcing extracurricular activities - from ski outings to a high-profile author series - hang everywhere. At Apple, the iTunes team sponsors the occasional band, and there is a company gym (which isn’t free), but by and large Apple people come to work to work. ‘At meetings, there is no discussion about the lake house where you just spent the weekend,’ recalled a senior engineer. ‘You get right down to business.’ The contrast with the non-apple world is stark. ‘When you interact with people at other companies, there’s just a relative lack of intensity,’ said this engineer. ‘At Apple, people are so committed that they go home at night and don’t leave Apple behind them. What they do at Apple is their true religion.’ "

Imagine how it is to work at this company where employees go to work to work. There is no downtime. There is no precious time wasted in small talk. Everything is about business. In most companies, a big amount of time is often wasted in meetings. The endless discussions on matters totally unrelated to the work agenda make meetings a total waste of time. Meetings are supposed to come up with solutions to issues affecting the company and provide the necessary direction and guidance for management and employees. Meetings are not meant to discuss personal concerns unless it affects that company.

The insights provided in the book are very valuable for anyone who wants to improve, innovate or create products worth the wait. At Apple, nothing is taken for granted, not even the box -

"How a customer opens a box must be one of the last things a typical product designer would consider. Yet for Apple, the inexpensive box merits as much attention as the high-margin electronic device inside."