Steve Jobs exemplifies a moral purpose. He clearly articulates to his customers and employees that he wants to create the best products for consumers. His staff is motivated under this goal, but it’s more than just producing a product according to Jobs. He wants to give back to the “human experience.” (ICON, 2010) He promotes giving back to the world and contributing “to the higher good.” (ICON, 2010) Jobs also believes in the change process. He is an innovator; however, his ideas for innovation do not only come from within, but also with the help of his team of employees. These employees forecast the changes in the technology field, create products that correlate with that forecast, and make adjustments to challenges as they arise.
Building relationships has been key in Jobs’ success. He has managed to gather together a loyal group of employees. Apple is known for its secrecy of products an element that Jobs has promoted within the company and has been successful through building relationships of trust with his employees. Apple also has dedicated employees that have stayed with Jobs after his reinstatement as CEO. Along with this loyalty, Jobs exemplifies the capability to build and share knowledge. He promotes the sharing of ideas amongst his employees in order to create the best products possible. A part of his success has come about by surrounding himself and listening to intelligent and creative people.
Lastly, Jobs demonstrates a coherence making capability. He has organized Apple so that one person leads each department. These department leaders meet weekly in order to review the overall goal of the week, and discuss their contribution to it. He does not rely on committees, but instead individuals. This method of organization avoids miscommunication and confusion. (Wisher)
Fullan, Michael. (2002). Principals as Leaders in a Culture of Change. (pp. 5-10).
ICON. Posted 6/20/10 Retrieved from http://www.iconperformanceonline.com/?p=1283#
Wisher, Kara and Mossberg, Walt. (2010) [Interview with Steve Jobs] Apple CEO Steve Jobs at D8: The Full, Uncut Interview
I believe Randy Pausch and Steve jobs both understood the importance of team building to the overall success of a project. They also both understood the role of personal accountability in a group setting. I wonder if any of Randy Pausch's students ended up working for Apple. I would imagine there had to be a few students who crossed over to Apple after graduation. Hopfully the skills Randy Pausch taught them helped them in their professional lives. Working for both men would be a great learning experience for any student or young adult starting a career.
ReplyDeleteAs educators we realize how important it is to share ideas with other colleagues and to promote this collaboration among our students. Steve Jobs has created an atmosphere where his employees want to be there and he inspires creativity (just look at all those Apple products on the market). It takes a truly effective leader to create an environment of respect and trust. He has proven to them that he has inner strength due to the obstacles he overcame to get to his current position.
ReplyDeleteI chose to write about Hillary Clinton and can see that she shares common leadership qualities with Steve Jobs. Although she had not produced anything, she did convince people there was a need for health care for children and played a part in the educational reform in Arkansas. Both Steve and Hillary are effective communicators who recognize a need and find a way to satisfy it.
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteBuilding relationships is one of the most important attributes os a successful leader. This serves Steve Jobs very well. I also believe that his vision is unique in how he is able to take technology from the drawing board to the consumer.
Daring and risk taking are also embedded in Mr. Job's persona. He has risked everything on many occasions to get to where he is today. This was an excellent choice and as we move into 21st century learning, his work will inevitably be part of the discussion. Thanks!