Steve Jobs' Leadership Lesson 10 - Tolerate Only 'A' Players
This piece* seems a bit confused. It starts by reporting on Jobs' trait of being "impatient, petulant, and tough" on employees. Although "not laudable", it emanates from his perfectionism and desire to "work with only the best". But Jobs inspired people and many stayed loyal to him for long periods.
Presciently, Isaacson warns other CEOs that they "should not emulate his roughness without understanding his ability to generate loyalty".
Unfortunately, it's easier to be rough than it is to generate loyalty!
Perhaps the more general leadership lesson comes at the end of this section of the article where Isaacson quotes Jobs as saying that "by expecting them [followers] to do great things, you can get them to do great things". But does expectation have to be so aggressive?
Presciently, Isaacson warns other CEOs that they "should not emulate his roughness without understanding his ability to generate loyalty".
Unfortunately, it's easier to be rough than it is to generate loyalty!
Perhaps the more general leadership lesson comes at the end of this section of the article where Isaacson quotes Jobs as saying that "by expecting them [followers] to do great things, you can get them to do great things". But does expectation have to be so aggressive?
*Adapted from "The Real Leadership Lessons of Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, in hbr.org.
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