Tonight we learned of the passing of one of the world’s greatest innovators. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computers, is perhaps the face of a generation. From Apple’s beginning in the garage of Job’s childhood home to one of the world’s largest and most profitable companies, it can be said that the success could be attributed to one man, Steve Jobs.
Now, the products that Apple has created were probably not directly designed or built by Jobs. Apple is home to some of the brightest people in the world. However, the true genius of Jobs was his LEADERSHIP. I am not sure many people will give this great man credit for his leadership. People will say how innovative he was, how his products have changed the way people live their day to day lives.
As a business owner, I marvel at Steve Jobs. This is a man who had a vision. For those who have started, and run a business, know that everything successful business starts with two things: a vision and passion. Steve Jobs fingerprint on Apple epitomizes these two things. So why do I dwell on his leadership?
I have studied the “great leaders” of our time. From the great military leaders, to political figures, to the titans of industry. I believe that Steve Jobs ranks right up there with anyone. As I see it, Steve Jobs did not choose to be a leader. He would have been content sitting behind a computer screen coming up with new ideas. What truly defines Jobs as a leader is the his unwavering passion for the vision he had for Apple.
His vision & passion were infectious. The people who Jobs employed looked to him as an inspiration. The mark of a true leader is the way his/her followers, follow said leader. Steve Jobs will be missed.
Jobs will be missed for the mark he made on society. He will be missed for the products and gadgets his vision(s) created. However, for this small business owner, Jobs will be missed for the leadership this world has now lost. In times like we have now, any loss of true leadership is something to mourned.