When you think of great modern business leaders, Steve Jobs likely quickly comes to mind.
The Apple visionary was a legend for his technical genius and leadership prowess.
Jobs passed away in 2011, but his legacy is still felt today. And lessons from his leadership style can still benefit people more than a decade later:
Focus. Focus. Focus.
We’re constantly connected, which makes it easy to get distracted by news, ideas, and possibilities. But Steve Jobs knew to focus on the most important things. He famously narrowed Apple’s scope with a two-by-two grid. On the top column, he wrote Consumer and Pro; he labeled the rows Desktop and Portable. Steve told his team to focus on four great products, one in each box. Instead of casting a wide net, he wanted Apple to focus on four key products and do them well.
In 2022, no one can do everything. Remove all distractions and focus on doing a few things spectacularly well. Focus on what matters most and become laser-focused.
Never Stop Being Curious And Creative
Steve Jobs made it a priority to practice creativity and curiosity as part of his everyday life. He believed creativity comes by being spontaneous and getting out of your typical schedule. It wasn’t unusual to see him walking around the Apple campus or even holding meetings as the group walked to clear their heads.
We can follow Jobs’ example today by mixing things up, changing our scenery, and watching the ideas pour in. Staying curious and creative comes from trying new things, asking questions, and shaking things up.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
One of my favorite Steve Jobs quotes comes from a graduation address he gave at Stanford when he told the graduates to “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Stay passionate, take risks, keep pushing towards your goals. Stay hungry for success and progress. Stay foolish and try new things.
Jobs started Apple in a garage but was forced out of the company a decade later. He didn’t give up and eventually came back to save Apple from the brink of bankruptcy and turn it into the world’s most valuable tech company. He could have walked away when things were hard, but he stuck with it. That resilience and tenacity are as valuable skills today as they were decades ago.
It may seem harder to stay hungry and foolish today, but it’s still possible. Take risks for yourself and your company. Stay foolish with new ideas that don’t necessarily conform. And whatever you do, stay hungry. Remember your purpose, goals, and passions.
Steve Jobs’ example is as applicable to 2022 as it was decades ago. To succeed, leaders must focus, create, and stay hungry and foolish.
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