iLeadership by Jay Elliot
“The Steve Jobs Way: iLeadership for a New Generation,” is several books in one.
It’s the personal story of staggering success, painful failure, persistent struggle and white hot passion. Sometimes it reads like a documentary, at others a soap-opera. In my opinion, Jay presents Steve Jobs as a man of two extremes with no middle. He is an over-the-top visionary with an obsessive compulsion for every imaginable detail.
Additionally, It’s a brief, selective history of Apple with references to NeXT and Pixar.
Ultimately, it’s an insider’s explanation of innovative, sometimes excessive, leadership/management practices that propelled Steve Jobs to global celebrity. And beyond that, practices that enabled Steve to change the way the world works, plays, consumes, and communicates.
iLeadership encompasses four topic areas: product, talent, organization, and marketing. I’m hitting the first two here.
Product
Steve’s leadership is motivated by an unquenchable desire to create the simplest, most functionally elegant product that meets customer needs. “Every opportunity starts with an unmet need.” Beyond that, Steve awakened customers to products and features they didn’t even know they needed.
Passion for product, in some cases translates into becoming the product. Jay recounts how Steve became the computer-in-the-box in order to energize innovation. His approach impacts everything from packaging to user experience.
Talent
I found the talent section most interesting and applicable. Steve made people feel it was a privilege to sell-out to the product.
You can be like Steve Jobs if you:
- Schedule three or four product-focused retreats per year
- Always look for specifics. Don’t accept generalities.
- Reject smoke-blowers and incompetence.
- Frequently pause and celebrate.
- Let best ideas rather than organizational structure control meetings.
- Create Stimulating offices that include social gathering places.
- Hold weekly product review meetings.
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What do you know about Steve Jobs and his leadership style?
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About the author:
Jay Elliot is an entrepreneur and author of, “The Steve Jobs Way: ileadership for a new Generation.” Released today, 3/08/11.
More about Jay on Pt. 1 of our interview: Plan execution: From an Apple Sr. V.P.
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Can’t wait to read more on this. The idea that Jobs is “a man of two extremes with no middle” intrigues me as a personality psychologist. Unique constellations of traits seem to mark people of greatness, as if those traits get some synergistic effect in those people.
And the quote “Every opportunity starts with an unmet need” is perfect inspiration for a freelance writer like me. Thanks for the reminder! Hit me at just the right time.
Heidi,
I found the juxtaposition of vision-driven and detail oriented most unique. Typically its an either or when it comes to those qualities.
Best,
Dan
I agree. I’ve found vision driven business people, and product focused business people in my industry. Very rarely do you find someone who can do both of those things simultaneously. This book is definitely going on my reading list.
Thanks!
Chris
“Always look for specifics. Don’t accept generalities.”
Couldn’t agree more.
My boss and I talk about basing decisions on data (specifics) or anecdotes (generalizing from a single instance). It’s really hard to stay focused when your impression of the marketplace is based on the last story you heard.
And the balance with that Greg, is that the story/anecdote may be what persuades the most. Definitely is a dance.
I am really looking forward to reading the book. It will be interesting to hear what the book says about Jobs.
I too found his view of “Always look for specifics. Don’t accept generalities” to be very interesting as well as the comment about Steve wanting to “Let best ideas rather than organizational structure controls meetings”. Too many times in today’s world we worry about the structure running the company and meetings rather than great ideas.
I am looking forward to adding this book to my personal library. As well as one I share with the folks I mentor.
Rich, I agree on “best ideas.” The book made me think about all the terrible meetings I’ve endured because the “right” person had to do most of the talking. Ugh!
I would like to read the story of Steve Jobs and his formula for success. i am a strong advocate of connecting to others and the importance of communication. Looking for those opportunities to give back to others, is a characteristic we should all strive for.
I really enjoyed your words when you said “create the simplest, most functionally elegant product that meets customer needs”. We all need to focus on this more. All too often listening to users needs is left by the wayside while development goes on and then when the user says ‘it doesn’t work’ the excuse is “working per design”.
Thanks for the opportunity. I love this site.
Look forward for the book. I am a leader now but still a lot to learn. definitely will have lots of things to learn from this book.
Have read Wozniak bio also the second coming of Steve Jobs. Seeing behind the office door or the product lauch. Always a good read can’t wait. Some points can used but also give insight of what not to do, or do a little nicer.
Marc, this is the first book I’ve read about Jobs. Wozniak wasn’t in iLeadership. Sounds like I need to get my reading hat on.
Interesting that peoples’ greatest strengths are often the flip side of a weakness. Steve Jobs’ passionate focus on keeping things simple and functional sometimes led him to be perceived as stubborn and autocratic. I think results speak in the end, though, and his consistent focus and refusal to waver resulted in products that set the standard. It’s often true with employees too that their greatest weakness is in some way connected to their best strength, which is why assigning work to teams is functional — you can maximize strengths by covering weaknesses.
I think it is important to support each other in a team atmosphere. Instead of accusing others of being weak in certain areas, just shore them up with people who are stronger in those areas. A team should balance those aspects out.
John Maxwell has argued that we waste time trying to improve our or anyone’s weak areas because the best they will ever be in that area is OK. He suggests instead that we focus efforts on growing our strengths, because with effort we can be exceptional there. Then he says build teams where peoples’ weaknesses won’t matter. Janna, sounds like you have some good experience with teams like that.
I already bought it. You’re interview was so compelling. Very well told. But The totally commitment to customers can happen without being a customer, design for yourself. It is the connection to the life of a customer that works. I have seen the same passion, when companies design for it, in operators. But it is so rare to design management to allow that to happen, in fact ensure it. I have more stories of mundane companies doing it in The Responsible Business with Jossey Bass. Named to CNBC Bullish on Books Shortlist for 2011. Thanks for the great post. I will come back after I finish the book. And I would donate the book to my library if I win.
Carol, your comments make me want to read it even more. I am working in my organization on our customer experience. Can’t wait to read it after reading not only yours but everyone’s comments!
As an architect I appreciated the comment: “Create Stimulating offices that include social gathering places.” Often times we do not recognize the role our built environment can play in creativity, productivity, and office morale. Can’t wait to read more.
I confess I have almost no experience with this, but I’m intrigued by it. I have seen workplaces where work continued through breaks as people congregated in the lunch room. I think there’s something powerful and mostly untapped in this idea.
Steve was an innovator of creating a space where employees could relax. Early on, he had a piano placed in the lobby where employees could hang out and talk.
The hard part is getting past the paradigm that talk isn’t work, and that talking employees need to get backk to their jobs. That old school view is pretty entrenched.
Chip, chip chippin’ away at the old school! 😉 Status quo, old school…we’ve always done it this way…
Deming comes to mind…”“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.” Change is mandatory.
My boss would very much enjoy this book. I think that if I don’t win it I will buy it for him for his upcoming B-Day. Then I can borrow it.
Steve Job’s creativity is amazing. It’s also impressive that he has been able to successfully lead his company through start up and while a major company. While Bill Gates is another notable example, many who start companies don’t have the skills to keep it going once it grows past a certain point. Amazing!
Christian,
One of the interesting parts of the book is Steve’s fall from grace with Apple and then his return. Don’t miss it.
dan
Speaks to how transitory life and business truly is…and people you meet on the way up, you meet on the way down and repeat!
In my career, I have found that organizations most often fail to frequently pause and celebrate.
Interesting article.
Wow, this sounds like a book made just for me. Your description sums me up in a nutshell, “It’s the personal story of staggering success, painful failure, persistent struggle and white hot passion.” I can’t wait to read it.
Adrienne, always nice to see someone I know “face to face” chiming in. Your commitment shows in everything you do and how readily you make connections. Hope you have the good fortune to end up with the book!
These posts have been inspiring. I would like to know more about how “difficult” a creative leader can be to work for and how Jay and others who worked for Steve managed around that.
Janna,
I think Jobs is very difficult to work for. However, very few people leave his team. He invites loyalty. Once again a rather interesting combination of qualities.
Best,
Dan
The Steve Jobs way isn’t the only way. It would be interesting to see how this philosophy compares with my own.
Dear Dan,
I have read the three story of Steve Jobs delivered as the Stanford business school. They are truly marvellous. He has mentioned that one should imagine that he has to live for a day or hours and then compare the unfinished tasks. If you think that you have lot of unfinished task and you perhaps need more time, then you have to reorganise yourself. And, he addressed the passing out graduate at Stanford, that they will replace us tomorrow. It is really eye opener and very true. We only assume in our favour that we have control over time, but the fact is that, we do not have contol over time. IT is only perception that we think in our favour.
The thoughts and practices of Steve Jobs are very inspiring. The core competency of Steve Jobs is idea. I appreciate the idea of rejecting smoke blowers and incompetence. I would like to mentions, today these kind of people create all disturbances and are perhaps very close to management. And that is the reason, why most of the corporation fail. Today, organisational structure and position control the meetings. People attend the meetings because it is compulsory. If it is optional, very few will attend the meetings. The other fact is that, meeting are usually polarised to few individuals and agendas are also off the track.
Where Idea will control the meetings, surely, structure, position and power will have back seat. And this is the real leadership.
Thanks for your observations Ajay, certainly adds color to the painting! That smoke can be distracting and burns the eyes, which blurs the vision.
It is amazing that there really is a simple technique that: little things make a big impact. The focus often times is that the most effort is on the big things but those that are rarely used. Sweating the small stuff is overlooked and these things are the most focus is needed.
I look forward to learning more about his leadership style. He definitely is a visionary and an innovator.
In answer to your question, I know a lot more about Jobs’s leadership style now than I did before you started this series!
In today’s post, this struck me: 6.Create Stimulating offices that include social gathering places.
It struck me because I think that must be a very challenging thing to accomplish – providing simulation yet encouraging focus. I think many offices go to an extreme – either “all business” or “too much play.” And I honestly think it goes back to your initial hiring decision – if you hire someone who is energized by the socialization options (and really FITS with your organization’s culture) – then the “social” and “productive” can synergize to contribute to a great outcome.
It sounds like working for Steve Jobs is terrifying AND exhilarating at the same time. I’m a ministry guy, so I might be a little different in my thinking. The thing that stuck with me is the drive to be simple in meeting the unmet needs of people. This is great. Where there’s no need, there’s no ministry. Where there’s complication and/or confusion, there’s no volunteer support.
Wow this looks like a great book, I would love to get a copy of this material, just fascinating.
Looking forward to reading this. Jobs is a fascinating man, I think an enigma, so hopefully the insights will be enlightening.
I cannot wait for this book. Steve Jobs is fascinating.
Working as a Solutions Expert for a Technology College I find the comments concerning Steve Jobs intriguing. Perhaps Steve knows how requiring specifics in his work environment will enhance relationships. I also like “Every opportunity starts with an unmet need”. Yes, I will read the book. Thanks for sharing, Dan!
I have the same passion – to bowl something done to the simplest most elegant end product possible. It’s a passion that transcends particular items, products, or concepts. My product is Bible faith. What is it, and most importantly, what is it not? How exactly does it work? I mean exactly, not vaguely, or generally but exactly. I call it the ‘mechanics of faith’ – not a formula but faith. The famous architect Mies Van Der Rohe, the one who said, “Less is more”, also said, “What does the brick want to be?”
Seek out the very essence of something and then with fanatical perseverance and attention to detail make it what it wants to be. It’s the story of creation. Einstein said that a good solution had to be ‘simple but not too simple’. Apple’s products are just that.
Under the “Talent” section;
“You can be like Steve Jobs if you:. . .”
Only Steve Jobs can be Steve Jobs.
Be yourself, you are the best person qualified for that job.
Like this comment. There’s probably something you’re better at than Steve.
I am looking forward to reading this book. Based on the review, I apreciate Steve’s willingness to frequently pause and celebrate. I think too often companies overlook celebrating the wins and miss opportunities to re-energize their employees. Without the recognition, high demands will wear any individual or organization down to the point they are competitvely ineffective.
Behind every great leader there is an inspirational story that allows us to learn and grow. I can’t wait to read this book!
Loved the interview you’ve posted with this guy. Definitely makes me interested to read the book. The “Talent” sections sounds particularly interesting.
Excited to read Elliot’s book. Simply based on the review it would appear it is full of some challenging truths. Steve Jobs is an intriguing guy.
SPECIFICALLY: I. would. love. a. copy. of. this. book.
I’d love an inside peek into the most innovative design companies in the world!
Cheers,
David
Obviously a MUST READ…add this one to the TOP of the PILE!
This sounds like an interesting book. I have enjoyed the posts about your interview with Jay. Thank you for bringing these good insights and people on to inspire others like myself.
How to start your business in your garage and grow… It’s all about vision and leadership. I guess I have another book to read!
Hi Dan,
I’m new to your blog, but I love it! You have such great postings. Not too long that I don’t read, but sooo thought provoking.
Your lead up to this book had me wanting to buy the book before I even read the review today!
Thanks for posting such great content all of the time!!
Thank you Jodi. It’s always nice to hear a good word.
I don’t know much about Apple’s corporate philosophy or Steve Job but I would love to read about his struggles and triumph in leading one of the most powerful company in the world.
As an Urban Planner working with municipalities I am always seeking effective ways of improving organizational culture and management. Your posts are often the source of some meaningful reflection and inspired exploration.
Cheers,
rjv
Robert,
Thank you for the encouragement and good luck.
Cheers,
Dan
Their is no doubt we can learn a lot from the seasoned leader, looking forward to his book.
As I wrote before, I really enjoyed the interview series, and am glad to “toss my card in the bowl!” Thanks, Dan.
Clearly, Steve Jobs is doing something right. Especially in light of what happened at Apple while he was not there. And, he was able to repeat that success in Pixar.
To be frank, I haven’t heard enough about Steve Jobs’ leadership style or what it’s like to work for him to form an educated opion. Perhaps I could learn a few lessons by reading the book.
Being a former die-hard Windows nerd, I’d love to read an insider’s view on how Steve Jobs progressively worked his magic to convert me (and millions of others) into an Apple fan. I’m particularly interested in reading or hearing about the marketing topic area.
What an interesting article!!! Thank You!
I think what Steve Jobs does so well is to extract the essential elements of the work and the product. He does that by distilling every word, every thought, every idea to its most crystalline version and then says… Go do! It is way too easy to get caught up in semantics… fluffy words and ideals… and not get down to the business of creating and refining excellent products. Jobs has mastered these tasks of leadership.
adding it to my bucket list and looking forward to the read!
Book sounds good.
Definitely need to read this. He certainly knows leadership.
I’ve enjoyed the interview clips posted on the blog and can’t wait to read the full book.
It’s a phenomenon how his vision came to fruition. We actually do live our lives differently from one man’s idealism. Craziness!
Steve Jobs has an inspiring story – I believe his focus, vision, leadership and ability to think differently than the masses has made him a success where others have failed miserably.
This should be an interesting read. The thought of letting the best ideas control a meeting rather than the structure is one that needs to be embraced. The meeting “routine” is one of my largest obstacles in my week.
Looking forward to reading this book! Or is it an iBook 🙂 ?
It’s a hardback book. Best wishes
I hope I win, I will love to read about Steve’s focus on leadership! God bless you all!
Ilove this one: Reject smoke-blowers and incompetence.
More leaders need to do this!
Leadership is practiced not only in words but in attitude, action steps, and strategies. The Apple’s success is a personal triumph for Steve Jobs. His relentless enthusiasm for his brand is inspiring and exceptional. He is a great leader and deserves the highest praise and admiration!
I can wait to pick up a copy of this new book. I’m looking forward to it!
Was intrigued by the interview and am looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for bringing attention to it.
Steve Jobs is such an influential leader, I would love to know what his secrets to success have been and how he manages to continue coming up with ideas that are cutting edge and ahead of the competition. I also agree that we need more leaders like Mr. Jobs.
Weekly product review meetings? I think I’ll start tomorrow.
Awaiting for this iBook ! hope this will share lot of real steve jobs iexpereince on ileadership !!!
i love iLeadership !!!
Steve Jobs and I share a birthdate. How do I know? The cute calendar that came on the first (something) had his birthday on it. Happy birthday a few days ago! I bought my first computer in 1985 – a Mac because it made circles. How silly? No.Thank you for the beginning of an ENCHANTING (thanks Guy K.) relationship. From there I built a custom Macintosh training co. and ran the Chicago Apple Market Center. It has been a constant respect every step of the way. MANY MANY MANY Apple adventures later, they continue. Please! I would really treasure a book from inside the enchanted Apple. You should realize great success in all that you do! Thank you for writing this book. I’m certain it’s great.
Hi, my name is Maria Lima, I’m an MD in Caracas, Venezuela. I love Steve Jobs works and daring to many challenges he had nad has. I’ve read the books Carmine Gallo has written about him, and I enjoy his products (3 of them). Steve leadership is differente, but what impress me more than anything is his dreaming heart, his passion about making a difference in people lives, his commitment to excellence!. I know he has some flaws, sure, everyone of us do have some or many, but nevertheless, he relentlessly pursues his dreams and goes the extra mile (with the older and the newer liver). He has every excuse to do nothing but he does many things and does not stay still. Thanks for the example Steve! I’m very sure your book, Jay Elliot, would be awesome since you are also captivated by Steve and dared to write about! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
I want this book
I most interested to learn more about this visionary man and share my learnings with my network.
I have heard many things about Steve Jobs – especially about his young Apple days. I wonder about his leadership at the time of Apple’s beginning, if it would be acceptable today? His leadership today seems much different today as compared to then.
I have struggled with #4: Frequently pause and celebrate. I look forward to discovering other leadership insights from this book.
Dan, thanks for the great summary of the first 2 points of the book. It’s great to think about corporate leadership stimulating random acts of social interaction. In my hospital, it’s capitalized upon by placing coffee shops every 50 feet, so they even recoup a little revenue. But what a concept to see the value in unstructured conversation leading to innovation.
And, of course, there is another great reminder to celebrate victories. Reminds me of a point of emphasis from The Leadership Challenge, where Kouzes and Posner stress the value of Encouraging the Heart. I know that when I have deliberately scheduled times to celebrate any little victory, I reap huge rewards with the morale boost my team experiences.
Keep up the great work on the blog!
George, thanks for sharing your own experience with the coffee shop illustration. :-). BTW, I LOVE “The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes and Posner. Cheers, Dan
So often we focus so much time on what still needs to be done and what didn’t go well. I often have to remind myself and my staff to “pause and celebrate.”
I am looking forward to reading the book!
I had my first experience with a Mac back in 1984. Since then almost every product that Apple has come out with has a Wow factor. Steve Jobs never ceases to amaze me. Apple delivers beyond satisfaction. It is almost like the product was built with you in mind forget about the rest of the population. It is like Steve’s Way is really my way. His white hot passion is translated into the user experience. Every Mac user is captivated by this.
I am very interested in learning how to create or change culture in a hostile organization where the leadership/structure is the enemy of delivering wow service. I would love to learn how he overcame the challenges and painful failures.
Thanks Steve, Dan and Jay for this opportunity !!!
Oscar, for culture building, one other book to consider is “All Hands on Deck” by Joe Tye. My review, http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/all-hands-on-deck/ . Best, Dan
Exciting revue on this book, looking forward to get hold of it. Steve Jobs has created several outstanding brands of our day, and that in one of the most competitive market. The turnaround since he came back to apple, the iPod, iPhone and now the iPad, just to name some;) This makes you curious about Steve as a person and leader. Again, I am looking forward to read this book. And thanks for the article.
We become the books we read. I am intrigued to read this book and to see what I/we become.
Thanks for the article.
Nicely said!
Great stuff! Have a passion for the product and the process!
Dan,
Excellent concise post. Thanks for all of the insights you share via twitter & your blog–Looking forward to learning more about this book!
Hi Billy,
Thank you for the good word. It always feels good to be encouraged.
Best to you,
Dan
iLike this iArticle.
😉
I’ve always believed Steve Jobs’ passion originates in the fact that he got the Vision right the first time. He figured out where he wanted to go, and the rest has been the journey.
Keep is simple and celebrate often, basic blocking and tackling of business and relational development. Look forward to reading and digesting all of the insights to be found in this book. Thanks for the synopsis.
Thought provoking article. I liked: “Let best ideas rather than organizational structure control meetings.” To many times we get caught up with the form rather than the function.
“Celebrate Often”-
Though it makes sense that long-term sustained results will require “charged batteries”, so many times it is easy to run on “workplace adrenaline” and burn out.
well said!
I continuously applaud the way Steve is predictably about 100 steps beyond anyone else when it comes to forward thinking strategies and knowing what the public needs before they even know they will need it. Each idea he communicates creates an “aha” moment for everyone and the business should work” or “I do need that to make my life and my work more productive.”
Steve never ceases to amaze me with what comes out of his mouth next. He is simply a genius and has proven time and time again that he knows how to develop a business model that is virtually bullet-proof. It is so interesting to note that the competition that criticizes Apple inevitably mimics everything Apple does, but is never as on the mark as Apple. BTW: I do NOT work for Apple, but wish I did. :->
Very motivating ideas in the Talent area for those of us that run teams. I can certainly use these ideas with my team. I especially like “Frequently pause and celebrate.” Not enough of this is done.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Phil
Studying various kinds of leadership for an internship project and can’t wait to read this!
It’s great to actually live in the time when such industry changing products are launched. His ability to lead and most importantly inspire people is amazing!
Steve Jobs is a man ahead of his time. Here is an opportunity to have a glimpse into the future. I look forward to reading what promises to be an important book.
i’ve never seen him be annoyingly hype-y, and yet i’ve never NOT been excited after his presentations
As I gain experience in the leadership world, it is very interesting to learn new methods of tackling the challenge that we call “leadership”. With the success of Steve Jobs, there is no arguing that he is doing something right, a lot of things right. I would love to read this book to explore some of the ideas that I could implement in my leadership quest.
“Every opportunity starts with an unmet need.” This reminds me of an adage that my former High School administrator used often, “The easiest way to make a million dollars is to find a need and fill it.”
Good stuff! I hope to read this book!
Love him or hate him Steve Jobs is undoubtedly a very gifted leader and visionary. Am anxious to read the book
Awesome stuff!! Hope I Win a copy!
Interesting list. 2, 4, 5 & 6 seem like a great recipe for a fully-engaged, forward-thinking staff.
While I’ve never understood the consumer’s worship of their products, I’ve always admired Jobs’ ability to lead and captivate. This sounds like an interesting read.
I’d love to see Steve Jobs Kolbe results!
As we struggle to find new ways to foster innovation and success its helpful to reflect back on those who did it successfully like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney. I look forward to reading more.
One of the great things about Steve Jobs is that he is still very excited and passionate about what he does. You can see it within Apple and Pixar. He only works on things that excite him. Taking his passion and instilling it into others is how a person can get something done and create great products. When you excite someone about a project or object or task, they infect others and can make work not work but a passion and something that they will give their all for.
I love Steve Jobs!
Hi Dan, I think that Steve Jobs has been one of the greatest visionaries of our time, his leadership, creativity, and innovation, are so big that every time he speaks the tech world listen, and when his health is in risk, the apple stock drops, making too difficult to get a CEO substitute and and to keep the success path for Apple. I believe that his kind of jesus christ leadership is a gift that only a few in mankind have.
Steve Jobs, one of my favorite people on the planet. Look forward to reading the book. Cheers, Al
I love the frequent celebrations. Our culture rarely stops to celebrate. It’s always about pushing on to the next idea/product and without celebration you lose motivation!
I learned a lot by just reading thru the posts! I can’t wait to read the book! I follow Steve Jobs’ work, and know he’s amazing.
I find it very helpful to model success and right now Jobs and Apple are among the most successful. Sounds like a great read.
Sounds like a great book, I also think the Talent part would be most interesting. I just picked up “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” and look forward to reading it. I have never read a book about him or Apple but look forward to learning more about him. Thank you for posting.
Mr. Jobs is not only a successful businessman, he is also an admirable person. He knows how to motivate and lead people, and he gets the best out of them in terms of creativity and innovative ideas.
I look forward to reading the book and learning from him.
This is some great stuff
Leadership freak is the place for stretching your leasing muscle.
I’d like to buy my boss this book.
“Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” Steve Jobs focussed his company and products on quality and value to his customers.
Hi all,
awesome guy he is–lets see how awesome is the book on him.
I wish he write a book with the name iBiography
Jobs proves that brand delvery, in this case via product design and function, is the best marketing campaign of all.
Steve Job’s simplistic approach to leadership makes one think ‘Why didnt I think of doing this?’. Too often, leaders can be overwhelming and unclear to their teams about their ultimate goal. Steve Jobs gets straight to the point – with what is expected in the end, and what one must do to get there. I look forward to read this book.
Steve Jobs is an individual who always “Stayed hungry and foolish” and his ability to inspire others to be the same is amazing.
Bada-bing!
Few people impact their industry and their culture as Steve Jobs has. Any biography that looks meaningfully at his life and work is a valuable contribution. His style will be studied and emulated for decades…
The philosophy of providing want the customer wants and making it an extremely valuable purchase should be the exception of the way companies do business. Jobs, seemed to have figured out early that creating relationships on all levels – customers, team, vendors, is the life blood of all business. The results should be evidence enough to model his system.
I work in a fairly structured environment where many of Steve’s ideas would seem radical. However, they sound normal to me! I’d like to be able to design stimulating offices and get away from the cubicle maze!
Steve Jobs is and has been a innovative leader. His legacy will be heard forever. I cant wait to read this book and gain valuable insight. Every leader could take note as his ethic and intensity.
Got a winner here!
Jobs Made us to look for things that never existed even in our dreams. Game changer…..
Was just downsized due to a severe lack of leadership at the highest levels. “Reject smoke-blowers and incompetence” did not happen at the company I just left. Those were the people that received promotions, all the yes men. And its driving the company in the ground. Thinking of starting my own business and don’t want to fall into the same kind of mistakes, always continue learning.
A life without passion is not worth living! Looking forward to a good read!
I think one of the most interesting thiings about Steve Jobs, is that not only is he a great leader, he is also an engaging storyteller and teacher. His ‘stories’ about business, family, personal development and just …living cut through many boundaries and engage and inspire people from all walks of life. I use his stories in leadership seminars with kids as young as 12 years old. These words of his are part of my personal manifesto and have inspired me to change my life completely.
‘Our time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drowned your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary’
I have been patiently waiting for this book- so glad it has arrived!
I’m intrigued to see how he created this culture of creative leadership.
Just started to read this book. These lines from Elliot captured attention “High achievers and people with a vision are sometimes short on social skills, or just don’t care about politeness or being tactful”