Steve Jobs

In 2011, one of the greatest leaders of our generation, whose innovative and entrepreneurial mind changed our lives forever, died of Cancer.  His biography was published that same year and written by one of the finest authors and journalists of our time.  In the biography, author Walter Isaacson shares both the private and public life of Steve Jobs. His story is amazing, his impact is both significant and lasting, and the book, like Jobs, is one of a kind!  Jobs, when faced with his own mortality, provided Isaacson full access to his life, his leadership, and his company, the iconic Apple! Steve Jobs grew up in Northern California very near my family home in Los Altos, CA.  He went to my rival high school and created the largest and most successful company in the world out of his garage!  Far from perfect, Jobs often alienated friends and foes alike in his relentless pursuit of perfection. 

After Job’s death, Isaacson published The Real Leadership Lessons of Steve Jobs in 2012 with fourteen critical areas of focus resulting from Job’s “lessons learned” for every leader.  Below is just a sampling of some of the key phrases and quotes attributed to Jobs through the eyes of Isaacson.

“Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication”

“Take Responsibility End to End”

“Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”

“Know Both the Big Picture and The Details”

“Engage Face to Face”

I recommend reading and following these principles that Jobs helped create, model and “impute” in his leadership and his life.  The Biography is filled with valuable information about personal motivation, inspiration, and creativity.  The company that Jobs helped create in his garage became the most dominant and influential company in the world, that’s an amazing accomplishment.  Issacson is masterful at sharing both the man behind the company and his relentless pursuit of excellence.  The follow-up on “Lessons in Leadership” was published by Issacson in HBR in 2012 and distilled these lessons into valuable and tangible ways we can all lead, contribute and improve.  This book, author, and leader are worthy of our time & attention.  As we identify our Top Ten business books at TCM Services this is clearly a must read and makes our Top Ten!