?? What does the world’s biggest YouTuber think about employee performance? ??
Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, had an internal handbook for his team leaked online—and it’s got the internet buzzing for a reason. MrBeast built a content empire with billions of views and millions of dollars in revenue, so when he shares his process, the world listens. But there's more to the story than just behind-the-scenes insights into creating viral YouTube videos.
Here are some key takeaways from MrBeast’s handbook:
?? Relentless focus on results: MrBeast doesn’t care about hours worked—he cares about the results. It’s not about the number of hours at the desk, it’s about how much impact you make. This isn’t new thinking—Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have long shared similar philosophies. Results over hours, every time.
?? The value of obsessiveness: In MrBeast’s world, being average isn’t enough. His handbook stresses the need for "A-Players"—those who are obsessive, coachable, intelligent, and focused on learning. This is a mindset, not just a job. Those who aren’t pushing to be the best? They fall into what he calls "C-Players," and there’s no room for them in his organization. He’s blunt about it—and it’s stirring up controversy.
?? The A/B/C employee hierarchy: Donaldson classifies employees into A-Players, B-Players, and C-Players. And if this sounds familiar, it’s because similar sentiments have been echoed by both Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. The takeaway: A-Players are essential, B-Players can grow into A-Players, but C-Players are toxic and must go. This idea has sparked debate, but the reality is—high-performing teams need clear accountability.
?? Creative obsession fuels innovation: MrBeast emphasizes that being obsessed with YouTube as a platform—not Netflix or traditional media—is what keeps his team on the cutting edge. It's a lesson in knowing your medium inside out, something all marketers, PR pros, and content creators should take to heart.
?? Communication is key: Across the board, he demands high levels of communication. MrBeast doesn’t believe in "fire-and-forget." Instead, he stresses constant check-ins, ownership of bottlenecks, and direct communication across departments to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Whether or not you agree with his methods, there’s no denying the success he’s achieved with this mindset.
?? Do you think it’s fair to categorize employees as A/B/C players? Or does this approach oversimplify the complexities of talent management? Drop your thoughts below! ??
You can read the whole document here: https://lnkd.in/gdKYuPMt
