Elon Musk emails at Tesla in October 2021: Music, direct orders

SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO Elon Musk appears to be like on as he visits the development web site of Tesla’s gigafactory in Gruenheide, close to Berlin, Germany, Could 17, 2021.

Michele Tantussi | Reuters

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is understood for his spontaneous mass communication, from rants on Twitter to “everyone” e-mails he sends to all staff at his electrical automobile firm.

CNBC has obtained a pair of e-mails Musk despatched to Tesla staff within the first week of October. The primary one mentioned listening to music at work with one earbud out to pay attention for safety-related points was OK. The second, harsher e mail reminded staff there are solely three choices when Musk sends instructions: clarify why he is incorrect, request additional clarification, or execute.

On the time, Tesla had simply introduced document third-quarter deliveries regardless of provide chain pressures, most notably a chip scarcity. It had lastly launched the long-awaited “Full Self-Driving Beta” button, permitting Tesla automobile homeowners to join pre-release driver help software program to check it on public roads.

And on Oct. 4, the corporate misplaced an enormous case in a San Francisco federal courtroom when a jury determined Tesla should pay a former employee, Owen Diaz, about $137 million after he endured a racially hostile work surroundings throughout his time at Tesla’s automobile plant in Fremont, California.

CNBC has additionally reviewed different emails Musk despatched in latest months, together with phrases of encouragement for workers engaged on the corporate’s new manufacturing facility close to Berlin, and agreeing with a bullish analyst name in September suggesting that Tesla inventory can go to $3,000 per share — if the corporate executes nicely.

Here is what Musk informed staff on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4.

The primary one was about music at work.

To: Everyone

From: Elon Musk

Date: Sunday October 3 [time redacted]

Subj. Music within the Manufacturing unit

Simply needed to say that I very a lot assist music within the manufacturing facility, in addition to any little touches that make work extra pleasant.

An affiliate simply despatched me a observe asking if we might have one ear bud for music so the opposite ear can pay attention for safety-related points. That sounds high quality to me.

Additionally, ambient music from audio system can also be completely cool as long as there may be cheap settlement amongst your colleagues as to the music selections.

If there are different issues that you just assume would enhance your day, please let me know. I care very a lot that you just sit up for coming to work every single day!

The second reminded everyone who the boss is.

To: Everyone

From: Elon Musk

Date: Monday October 4 [time redacted]

Subj. Please Be aware

If an e mail is distributed from me with specific instructions, there are solely three actions allowed by managers.

1. E mail me again to elucidate why what I mentioned was incorrect. Generally, I am simply plain incorrect!

2. Request additional clarification if what I mentioned was ambiguous.

3. Execute the instructions.

If not one of the above are finished, that supervisor shall be requested to resign instantly.

Thanks,

Elon