Passing Away of a Global Technology Leader
Asoke K. Laha
President & MD, Interra IT
5th October, 2011 - Dark day in the history of Tech-Savvy world as Steve Jobs left behind an unparalleled legacy. Eulogies and articles poured all over the Internet and media. He founded Apple in 1976. Macintosh computer was released in 1984, and within two years he got fired. In 1997, he rejoined Apple Computer as CEO. Apple was losing money for the last few years, its market share shrank significantly, and the corporate world stopped purchases of Mac computers. There was a widespread rumour that Apple would declare bankruptcy. Yet in 2011, Apple has been considered as the most valuable company in terms of market capitalization - much more valuable than Microsoft, Google and Facebook. Its cash reserves are more than the cash balance of the US Government. This unprecedented growth is attributed solely to the leadership of Steve Jobs. On October 14, 2011, Apple started selling its latest product iPhone 4S. People lined up in Apple stores all over the USA, night before to purchase iPhone 4S. It was sold completely within the first thirty minutes.
What is uniqueness of Steve Jobs? No other CEO in the modern world has made so much impact over the companies they were associated with.
I fell in love with Apple since 1984, when MAC was born. Since then, I have never used or purchased any other computer. Even during the period 1995-1997, when MAC became an industry joke and the corporate world started abandoning it, I stayed with my MAC. In 1998, I needed a new laptop: against the advice of all my well-wishers, I purchased again Mac Laptop, because I believed that Steve Jobs, who joined back in 1997, would turn the company around. And I was right. Steve Jobs revolutionized the digital world by introducing iPad, IPhone, iPad and MacBook Air, one after another. I have admired Steve Jobs and followed every bit of news released on him. Now, it is time to reflect what I learnt from Steve Jobs. The following are some of my thoughts:
Steve Jobs' Focus:
He was extremely focussed. He wanted to change Apple in 1997 from almost a bankrupt company to a most successful technology company. He started working from Day 1, nothing distracted him. He never spent any time in discussing anything other than his goal. He was ruthless - built a team of very competent people who would share his vision, and follow him 100% though it meant letting people go. His team too was completely focussed on building Apple and its image. He did not believe in long debate, or democracy.
Fanatic about Quality - no room for mistakes:
He transformed Apple such that the brand became synonymous with a company who produces quality. He pushed his people to the limits in meeting quality requirement and moving milestones early. Apple customers developed conviction that Apple product would work all the time: compared with Microsoft product lines of Buggy Windows 95, Vista, etc. Apple would never produce poor-quality products. When press surfaced the antenna problem of iPhone 4 in 2010, he took immediate steps. The defect cost the Product Head his job, though he was very close to Steve Jobs. He did not tolerate mistakes.
Innovative:
Apple became known for its innovative products - would lead always while the competition followed the visionary. He realized that Apple cannot stay with PC only, but had to be in the Digital world, like Digital music, telephone communication. Phone is nothing but a small computer, which anybody can use, and lastly iPad, which is a gadget for reading books, movies, something between laptop (lighter than laptop) but with a bigger screen than phone.
Always insisted on ecstatic - Intuitive and beautiful products par excellence:
He did not focus on making the fastest product, but intuitive - easy to use without reading manuals. Did not compromise on looks either - sleek designs are a hallmark of Apple products.
Ability to influence customers:
He had tremendous ability to influence people: He told people what they needed - never did any customer survey to understand what customer wanted but taught customer how to be effective and productive.
Loyal:
Was extremely loyal to Apple. All his energies were focussed on Apple's success.
Secretive:
Played his cards close to his chest. Never talked about Apple product before it was ready to be released and then built hype around it. Like him, his team was very secretive - aligned to his thinking.
Believed in simplicity:
Though he did not go to college, he was open eyed. He spent a very poor childhood, yet travelled to India that widened his horizon. Did not flash his wealth - took one dollar salary; lived in a modest home in Palo Alto for years. Compare it to the palaces owned by other CEOs.
Exuded Confidence:
Extremely confident about himself - believed in following his inner voice and never settled for anything else. His simplicity only reiterated his self-confidence.
In 2005, Steve Jobs told the Graduating class of Stanford University in his Commencement Speech:
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
"If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."
"Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life's change agent. The benefit of death is not to waste life living someone else's choices. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
In summary, one of a kind born in a century - highly respected by everybody - his followers as well as his competitors.
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