Special Forces Hiring, Not Headcount Filling

"He added that there would be a “modest reduction” in headcount that he described as “raising the performance bar at Tesla to a very high level.” “To be clear, this doesn’t mean that the people that depart Tesla for this reason wouldn’t be considered good performers at most companies—almost all would,” Musk wrote. “However, I believe Tesla must adhere more closely to a special forces philosophy at this stage of its life if we aspire to become one of the great car companies of the 21st century.”"

"Musk wanted to know what Rawlinson would do differently. “Elite fighting forces,” Rawlinson said. “Take the paratroop regiment. The big difference in a paratroop regiment is the leader is on the ground…You have direct leadership which adjusts to battlefield conditions.” Musk’s eyes widened. “Paratroopers! You mean special forces?” “Oh—” Rawlinson paused, realizing he had struck a vein. “Yes!”"

"Initially, Musk interviewed most candidates, often asking a simple question: What have you done that’s extraordinary? Engineers would marvel at his ability to dive into the finer points of their work. A wrong answer would end the interview quickly—and often draw Musk’s wrath to the recruiter who had sent the person."