Small Talk

August 24, 2011 »

What We Can Learn From Steve

This evening, the news broke that Steve Jobs is stepping down from his position as CEO of Apple.  In a classy move, Steve sent a letter to the Apple board of directors - and to the Apple community at large - and communicated the news, saying “unfortunately, that day has come.”

I think we can learn a lot from Jobs, and what he has accomplished during his tenure at Apple:

- He built the world’s most valuable technology company through strong leadership, creativity and innovation. In late July 2011, his company had even more cash than the U.S. Government!

- He attracted employees, he impressed investors, and he thrilled his fans. 

- He transformed the way people view Apple: it was once just a computer company; he evolved it into a company that is known for its exceptional design.  It just so happens that they make computers, monitors, telephones and music players.  That’s really incredible.

- He cast a vision to establish a series of products that are defined by the word remarkable.  And he ensured that those products shipped, in the face of exceptional global challenges, and hit deadlines time and again.

- The products he created are the poster children for word of mouth.  People talk about them constantly - in meetings, on airplanes, at cocktail parties, on college campuses - to people they know, and to total strangers, just because they are so cool and noteworthy.  (Admit it, you’ve done it too.  At least once in the last 5 days!)

- He created a special cult of devoted fans who will camp out for hours on end, waiting to be among the first to own the latest device.  Because the products are so incredible, people gain a sense of social currency for owning and using them, and amass more and more of them over time.

- He re-defined the music industry with iTunes, and changed the way people access and listen to music through the iPod. 

- He’s done the same with photos, with movies, and with graphic design, all through the creation of amazing software that makes working on an Apple machine a delightful experience.

- He opened up a whole new world for developers who have been empowered to create hundreds of thousands of applications.  And now, there’s an app for that.

- And after all of his incredible accomplishments, he recognized when it was time to step aside, to focus on his health, and to say his goodbyes.

Thanks for the inspiration, Steve.  You are a true legend, and you will be missed.

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