Tesla vet says that ‘reviewing real products’ — not mockups — is the key to staying innovative

General Motors (GM) has experienced a remarkable surge in its electric vehicle (EV) sales, now boasting a lineup of 17 fully electrified models. This impressive growth has positioned GM as the second-largest EV manufacturer in the United States, trailing only behind Tesla. A significant factor in this transformation has been the influence of Jon McNeil, a former Tesla executive who now serves on GM's board. McNeil, who was pivotal in the development and launch of the Model 3 at Tesla, shared insights into the crucial role of hands-on product reviews in fostering innovation. During a recent event at TC All Stage in Boston, he emphasized that the key to success lies in evaluating actual products rather than mere mockups. "No slides was our first rule," McNeil explained, highlighting the value of real product assessments in weekly leadership meetings. These product reviews were inspired by McNeil's recollections of Elon Musk's early interactions with Steve Jobs. According to McNeil, Musk sought advice from Jobs during his journey into the hardware business. Jobs advised him that the success of a product hinges on its quality, stating, "If you want to be successful in business, you have to have a perfect product. And if the product is beautiful, it will sell itself." Taking this wisdom to heart, Tesla focused on creating products that not only functioned well but also delighted users. McNeil cited the infamous "fart button" feature as an example of Tesla's desire to surprise and delight customers, illustrating how creativity can enhance user experience. Moreover, McNeil noted that simplicity was paramount in product design, ensuring that key functions could be accessed with minimal effort. This philosophy extended to having the lead designer present during reviews, allowing for direct feedback on aesthetics. Reflecting on his time at Tesla, McNeil pointed out that the culture of excellence was reinforced by the high stakes of presenting to Musk. "You’re not going to bring your B game to the CEO — especially that CEO, because he’s going to fire you," he said. This intense focus on quality and innovation has driven Tesla's rapid progress. Since joining GM's board in 2022, McNeil has been pleased to see CEO Mary Barra and President Mark Reuss implementing similar weekly product reviews across their vast organization. They prioritize real, tangible products in these meetings, furthering GM's mission to innovate in the EV space. McNeil's insights have been instrumental in GM's recent success, highlighting the power of hands-on engagement in product development.