Under the leadership of Steve Jobs, demanding performance was a core expectation at Apple. His CEO noted that Jobs maintained a strict policy against poor performance, which contributed to the company’s drive for excellence. An example of this intense management style occurred when VLSI Technology struggled with timely chip deliveries. Jobs confronted the company's executives in a heated meeting, expressing his frustration vocally.

As a result of Jobs' passionate demand for improvement, VLSI Technology ultimately succeeded in delivering the chips to Apple on schedule. To commemorate this achievement and perhaps ease the tension, the executives at VLSI created jackets labeled “Team FDA,” signifying their commitment and teamwork in meeting Apple's challenging demands.