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Steve Jobs: Transformational Leader
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A Transformational Leader SteveJobs Mariah Callender What Exemplifies Jobs Leadership Biography • Steve Jobs was bon in San Francisco, California on February 24, 1955 to two University of Wisconsin graduate students who gave him up for adoption. • He was adopted by Clara and Paul Jobs • In high school was were Jobs found his future partner, Steve Wozniac, who once said “We both loved electronics and the way we used to hook up digital chips…very few people, especially back then had any idea what chips were, how they worked, and what they could do” (Wozniac, 2007). • Jobs dropped out of college after one semester at Reed College. • At the age of 21, he and Wozniac started Apple computers. • Apple was extremely successful and became publicly traded in 1980. • Shortly after that, Apple began to struggle and executives believed that Jobs was hurting the company. • Jobs resigned as Apple’s CEO in 1985 and began his own company called NeXT Inc. • Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 and is thought to have been the cause of Apple’s revitalization. • Since Jobs return, “Apple has been ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine’s list of ‘America’s Most Admired Companies,’ as well as No. 1 among Fortune 500 Companies for returns to shareholders” (A+E Networks, 2014). • Jobs was diagnosed with a rare type of pancreatic cancer in 2003, but kept his personal life very private. • On October 5, 2011 Jobs passed away after battling cancer for nearly a decade at the age of 56. Steve Jobs 1955-2011 • Jobs was extremely self-sufficient and knew his own capabilities at an early age. • Jobs was one of the most innovative and creative individuals of his time. He was extremely creative by beginning Apple computers at such a young age, but he continued to show his innovativeness and ability to create products unlike any other year after year. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” – Steve Jobs • He also constantly encouraged all of his employees to be as creative and innovative as he tried to be What Makes a Transformational Leader Transformational Leadership: someone who motivates by transforming the identities and goals of individuals to coincide with those of the group. (Burns & Pearson, 2012, p. 23) “…leaders who are passionate about their work, who develop an ability to focus on things that matter most, and exercise unwavering resolve in their decisions have a greater opportunity to influence those around them and effect change in their followers, their organization and even in themselves” (Bass, B.M. 2007 p.1) Transformational Leader Factors: • Stimulates innovation and creativeness • Challenges followers • Supportive climate • Act as coaches and advisors to encourage self – actualization and focuses on “transforming” •Creates valuable and positive change (WordPress, 2003, p. 2) Steve Jobs’ Actions There were many situations and actions that Jobs took and showed that he was a transformational leader. Below is a list of examples of the way Jobs responded to situations or acted upon things that prove this. • Jobs at the age of 21 started his own business with high school friend, Steve Wozniac. • Jobs returned to Apple Inc. with enthusiasm and energy in 1997 after resigning two years earlier. • Jobs showed a strong passion as the CEO of Apple Inc. “Steve jobs highly encouraged innovation and creativity among his Apple employees, a key element of intellectual stimulation.” (ThePachamamaAlliance, 2014, p. 1) • Steve Jobs showed an extreme amount of passion for what he did. This was shown by Jobs returning to Apple after he had resigned because he knew that it was where he belonged and what he was meant to do. He also showed his passion on a day to day basis by presenting new ideas, staying at work through his battle with cancer, as well as verbally expressing his love for his career fairly often. “The most clear lessons that leaders can learn from Steve Jobs is his deep passion for his work, his extreme focus and unwavering resolve in his decision making” (Bass, B.M., 2007, p. 1) “He admits, himself, in a speech to a group of graduating students from Stanford University, that he found what he loves to do early in life.” (Bass, B.M. & Jobs, 2005, p. 1) • He was extremely focused on his products and his customers that he was selling his products too. • After finding out he had cancer, he continued to put others before him. • While battling cancer, he was only absent 2-3 times over a 10 year period. RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2011 www.PosterPresentations.com Innovations and Designs • Macintosh computer in 1984 • NeXT computer in 1985 • iMac in 1998 • iPod in 2001 • iPhone in 2005 • Jobs had the ability to stay very focused on the task in front of him. He was extremely good at designing one product at a time and making it a best seller. He knew what he wanted and was able to stay focused and get it done. • Jobs was also known for pushing his employees, and sometimes even a little too far. Jobs was said to have been harsh on his employees at times and caught yelling at them from time to time. I think this is an example of Jobs pushing his employees to their full potential and became frustrated with them when he knew they were not reaching that full potential. • When Jobs had resigned from the CEO position at Apple Inc., he began another company called NeXT, during this time he had a great influence on the employees who worked for him, as well as in other industries such as Pixar Animation Studios. “During his business career, which began in 1976 with the formation of Apple Inc,. Steve Jobs has influenced several industries. His influence has been felt in the computer, Hollywood, music, retail and mobile phone industries.” (Shlender & Bass, B.M., 2007, p. 1) • Jobs encouraged his employees to be innovative and creative on a regular basis. • Jobs continued to be innovative year after year and giving the customers what they wanted. “You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” - Steve Jobs The examples explained above are just a few of the reasons why Steve Jobs was considered a transformational leader around the world. In every aspect of a transformational leader, he met all of the requirements and had a key role within them all. If it weren’t for the terrible disease of cancer that took his life, Jobs would have continued to “wow” and impress his customers with his innovation and creativity. Although he passed away he was able to train and teach his employees everything he knew so that Apple Inc. could carry on without him someday, and unfortunately that day has come. Honors and Awards • 1985: National Medal of Technology • • • • • • • • • 1987: Jefferson Award for Public Services Named entrepreneur of the Decade 2007: Most powerful person in business by Fortune Magazine 2007: Inducted into the California Hall of Fame 2009: Named CEO of the decade 2010: No. 17 in the World’s Most Powerful People 2011: First bronze statue of Steve Jobs 2012: Grammy Trustees Award 2012: Fortune named Jobs “Greatest entrepreneur of our time” References 1. "Transformational Leadership." The Pachamama Alliance. N.p., 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. 2. "Steve Jobs." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. 3. "Steve Jobs Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, 2013. Web. 02 Feb. 2014. 4. WordPress. "Introduction." Gustaccicom. N.p., 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. 5. "Introduction." Gustaccicom. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. <http://gustacci.com/steve-jobs/introduction/>.