We collectively, to get things done, work together as a team.
We collectively, to get things done, work together as a team. Because the work really happens horizontally in our company, not vertically. Products are horizontal. It takes hardware plus software plus services to make a killer product.
In the words of the builder of empires, “We collectively, to get things done, work together as a team. Because the work really happens horizontally in our company, not vertically. Products are horizontal. It takes hardware plus software plus services to make a killer product.” Thus spoke Tim Cook, steward of a great house of innovation. His teaching is not of solitary conquest but of unity, reminding us that the greatest creations are born when many hands labor as one.
The heart of this wisdom lies in the word team. Alone, one may labor and achieve small victories; together, men and women weave their talents into wonders. The teaching declares that power does not descend from high towers, but flows in horizontal bonds, where equals join strength to strength. Such is the eternal law: the rope is strongest not in its single strand, but in the weaving of many.
So too does Cook unveil the mystery of the product. It is not born from one craft alone, but from the marriage of many: hardware, the body; software, the mind; and services, the breath that binds them to the people. Only in harmony do these parts create what he calls a “killer product,” a thing that is not merely made but alive, meeting the desires of the age.
The origin of this saying lies in the forge of modern enterprise, where invention is ceaseless and competition fierce. Yet its wisdom is timeless, echoing the voices of the ancients who built temples, ships, and cities, each through shared labor. To future generations, the counsel is clear: exalt not the lone hero, but honor the collective, for it is through unity that enduring greatness is achieved.
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The idea of horizontal collaboration is something we don’t hear enough about. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that leadership and innovation flow vertically, from the top down. But in Tim Cook's vision, the synergy of teams is where the magic happens. What’s the best way for leaders to foster such an environment, and how do they balance empowering teams while keeping everything aligned?
NMNguyen Minh
Tim Cook’s emphasis on horizontal teamwork reminds me of how important it is for companies to break away from traditional hierarchical thinking. But, with so many departments involved, how can organizations ensure that all teams are aligned and working toward the same vision? How can they avoid conflicting priorities or lack of coordination that might arise from different teams working independently?
HYHai Yen
This quote gives an interesting perspective on teamwork in tech companies, particularly in product development. It’s clear that the collaboration between hardware, software, and services is essential for creating great products. But in a practical sense, how do you ensure that all three areas come together smoothly? Is it purely about fostering strong communication, or are there other structural elements that play a role?
TMtran my
I agree with Tim Cook about the horizontal nature of innovation. However, it raises a question: when teams are working together horizontally, how do we ensure accountability and clarity? It can be easy for responsibilities to blur, especially when working across different domains. How do successful companies navigate this challenge without losing focus on their ultimate goals?
TTNguyen Thi Trang
Tim Cook’s words highlight a crucial aspect of innovation: the importance of cross-functional collaboration. It makes me think about how companies often become too rigid in their hierarchical structures, which can stifle creativity. Are we doing enough to foster a truly horizontal approach to teamwork, or is there still a deep reliance on vertical management in most organizations?