The Unhinged Pursuit of Perfection: What CEOs Will Do to Find the Next Steve Jobs

When Iñaki Ereño, CEO of Bupa, reveals that he puts job candidates through six hours of tests across three meetings, it’s a symptom of a broader problem in corporate culture – an obsession with finding perfection at all costs. This fixation is driven by astronomical executive compensation packages and a willingness to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the competition.

Ereño’s approach is not just a quirk; it represents a disturbing trend where CEOs prioritize the pursuit of perfection over all else. His six-hour marathon includes an anecdote about watching how candidates treat waiters during lunch interviews, often framed as a charming aside that speaks to his emphasis on interpersonal skills and confidence. However, this attention to detail belies a CEO willing to put his interviewees through an endurance test.

Ereño acknowledges that this system has helped him reduce hiring mistakes – but at what cost? Subjecting job candidates to such an ordeal raises questions about the value of their time and well-being. Those who can’t afford to take six hours off work or are simply not comfortable with the implied pressure to be “on” for so long will inevitably feel marginalized.

Ereño’s approach is often compared to Steve Jobs’ infamous “beer test,” but while Jobs’ method had some basis in human intuition, Ereño’s is more about demonstrating his own power and authority. This emphasis on endurance rather than genuine evaluation raises concerns about the treatment of job candidates and the culture it perpetuates.

The proliferation of absurd interview practices may be a consequence of CEOs competing to outdo one another in their pursuit of perfection. However, companies that adopt more nuanced approaches prioritizing empathy and understanding may challenge this status quo. As we move towards an era of increasing automation and disconnection, rethinking our relationship with work itself is crucial.

Ereño’s six-hour interview is a fascinating – if slightly chilling – example of the unhinged pursuit of perfection driving corporate culture. Other CEOs would do well to take note and recalibrate their approaches, lest they inadvertently create an army of burnt-out job applicants who will do anything to get ahead.

For those seeking to impress Ereño with their wine-ordering skills, it’s unlikely that Google can provide the perfect response. Instead, being oneself is key – and if that’s not enough, then maybe one isn’t the right fit for Bupa after all.