No matter how much resolve you could muster, it was still difficult to quit Apple if Steve wanted you to stay. You'd have to sit down with him for a reality distortion session—often effective at changing minds. One day, a few of us discussed strategies to counter Steve's persuasiveness.
Burrell's Bold Plan
"I've got it!" said Burrell. "I know the perfect way to quit that will nullify the reality distortion field (see Reality Distortion Field)."
We pressed him for details.
"I'll walk into Steve's office, pull down my pants, and urinate on his desk. What could he say to that? It's guaranteed to work." We laughed, assuming even Burrell wouldn't dare.
The Day of Departure
A year and a half later, Burrell decided to quit after ongoing clashes with Bob Belleville and other managers over the "Turbo Mac" project—a faster, redesigned Mac with a semi-custom chip and internal hard drive, developed with Brian Howard and Bob Bailey.
He informed Bob Belleville (likely relieved, given Burrell's lack of respect) and HR, then scheduled a final meeting with Steve that afternoon.
Entering Steve's office, Burrell was met with a grin.
"Are you gonna do it? Are you really gonna do it?" Steve asked. News of the urination threat had reached him, and he was curious.
Burrell held Steve's gaze. "Do I have to? I'll do it if I have to."
Steve's look said enough. Burrell turned and left—no longer an Apple employee.
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