Definition
The irreplaceable core engineers and designers who possess exceptional craft capability and judgment.
Why It Matters
High-performance teams are multiplicative, not additive; a high talent density of keepers is a survival requirement to prevent organizational decay.
Core Concepts
- Keepers: The irreplaceable core engineers and designers who possess exceptional craft capability and judgment (e.g., Jony Ive, Ed Catmull).
- A-Players Hire A-Players: Highly talented individuals prefer to work with and hire other highly talented individuals, creating a self-reinforcing loop of excellence.