We’ve been asked by many of our customers for periodic, no-nonsense emails with just-in-time information for managers and knowledge workers on how organizations work. This is our 52nd issue and we hope you enjoy it. Past issues are available on our website.
What We're Reading
Steve Jobs
by Walter Isaacson (Simon & Schuster)
Hardcover ~ Release Date: October 24, 2011
My first computer was an Apple and at times I've had to go to a PC because of software issues. But, I'm grateful to be back on an Apple. I had a first generation iPod, an anniversary gift, loaded with music. I have an iPad and an iPhone. I also have spent many years leading groups to become more innovative, the most important challenge facing any organization in my opinion. So I get the passion of the products and the very impressive results Apple has achieved. Therefore I have to admit, I was somewhat astonished at this biography.
It's no understatement to say that Steve Jobs just did not see grey. Everything was black or white. You were a hero or a bozo to him and he told you so. He would decide instantly about an idea, dismissing it if he hated it. But then a few weeks later he might decide he liked it but it would be his idea. He didn't give credit to others when it became his. The overriding theme of his life is that he believed that rules did not apply to him. His treatment of people is truly painful to read. He was downright mean to not only his family but to anyone around him, including innocent service people like waiters.
So the question is, did any of his personal meanness contribute to his accomplishments? The author is fairly even in presenting the story and doesn't seem to fall under Steve's spell of personal charisma. The interviews from many who knew Steve seem to say that his personality forced people to perform extraordinary feats; well beyond what they would have done for anyone else who didn't have so much passion. That was Steve's justification for his meanness; the end justified the means. He was in a hurry; he said early in his life that he didn't think he would live long and he had a lot to accomplish. Honestly, I kept looking for more. His actions go against every management and innovation theory I know and I wonder what else he might have done if he had a more nuanced approach. Plus, a lot of energy was spent by others cleaning up after him and I can't help but think of those unmeasured costs.
One thing that did seem clear about Jobs is that, unlike many self-centered people, he never believed he could do everything by himself. He always approached work as a team leader and knew how important the team was. He certainly had an eye and appreciation for talent starting with Steve Wozniak. Although if you were one of the favored, I'm sure it was nerve-wracking to wonder if and when you were going to fall out of favor. He even hesitated to marry his fiancée; going to friends asking if his former girlfriend was prettier and wondering if he should marry her instead. His fiancée was pregnant at the time too.
The bottom line to me is that sometimes we expect leaders of great companies to be great people or a hero in a classical sense. They are rarely so. Yet he did lead an interesting life and the book is worth reading. The reaction to his death reminds me to keep in mind the quote from Larry McMurtry's Hud, "Little by little, the look of the country changes because of the men we admire." I certainly admire what Steve Jobs led his teams to accomplish. I do not admire the way he did it.
Personal Listening Webinar - February 17
I'll host a Personal Listening Webinar on February 17 at 11am PT. It includes the Personal Listening Profile. You will receive a link to complete the profile once you are enrolled in the webinar.
This is one of my favorite profiles because it will educate you on your actual approach to listening. In general we approach listening by either listening for facts or feelings. A lot of miscommunication and frustration occurs when the different styles clash and people don't realize the differences. Watch for this in your next meeting and you'll see what I mean.
By becoming aware of your style and its advantages, you can put it to use when it's needed. You can also learn how to adopt the other styles that are not the ones you have hard wired in your brain. Listening is the most important skill you can leverage to increase your ability to communicate.
The price is $45. Since the profile alone retails for $31, this is a great deal. Enroll now!
Steve Jobs
