STEVE JOBS

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs (1955- 2011)

Introduction

Throughout its history, Apple has come up with some very innovative products. A couple of its latest hits are the iPod music and video player and the much-awaited iPhone. The iPod changed the way people record and listen to music. The iPhone combines just about everything you can imagine into one device: video iPod, camera, e-mail and text messenger, Web browser, alarm clock, daily organizer. With all of these functions, some may forget it's a phone, too. Behind Apple's technological innovations are teams of designers, engineers, and marketers. But behind them is a driving force who wants the company to excel—the head geek himself, Steve Jobs. (Schlender, 2000)

24 February 1955 was the day when a great leader of the world of IT was born. He is no other than Steve Jobs. He revolutionized the IT industry and his ideas will always be followed devotedly. He was an adopted son of a technician Paul Jobs. He became grown in the lower-class area of Mountain View that is situated in the region of northern California. When the original American developers of the miniature transistor transformed the region into a hub for high-technology manufacture and research, it became famous with the name of Silicon Valley. This paper discusses Steve Jobs as the inspirational leader.

Discussion

The computer industry entrepreneur Steven Paul Jobs was the cofounder of Apple Computer together with Steve Wozniak. They began to design and build a user-friendly personal computer in 1975. It became the cornerstone product of Apple. By 1984, with Jobs as chair, Apple had become a billion-dollar company largely responsible for the microcomputer explosion of the late 1970s and early 1980s. (Deutschman, 2000)

Apple has come to an extended path from the time when it was established in California, where founders Wozniak and Jobs introduced the Apple II computer to the world. Jobs, previous CEO of the company, has been credited not only with thinking up ideas for new technology products but also with marketing them successfully to consumers. He was also a great communicator just like other great leaders. Jobs thinks big, and the iPhone is no exception. “We wanted to make a phone so great you couldn't imagine going anywhere without it,” he said in an interview prior to the iPhone's launch. “That was our goal, and I think we've achieved it. That's why we have such butterflies in our stomach. We get to see . . . if people agree with us.” They agreed. Even with a $500 to $600 price tag, consumers were camped outside the AT&T/Cingular wireless stores and Apple stores all over the country to be the first to obtain their set. (Levy, 2004)

Steve Jobs is praised for his knowledge of technology and his talent to produce dazzling initiatives for new products. He is also known for his desire to be in control as a manager. How do you think these two characteristics benefit Apple? Could either characteristic also become a liability? As you read this chapter, think ...