Adapted by:
Rubén Andrés
WriterWriter at Xataka. I've been working remotely for more than a decade and I'm a strong advocate of technology as a way to improve our lives. Full-time addict of black, sugar-free coffee.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs wasn’t an ordinary boss. He earned a reputation as an unpredictable and passionate leader. He had a unique ability to inspire and challenge his employees, sometimes perceived as a despot but also recognized as a genius when it came to motivating his team.
One anecdote that exemplifies Jobs’ unique style of motivating his staff involves a time when his secretary arrived late to work because her car wouldn’t start. He could’ve easily fired her on the spot without anyone being surprised. Instead, Jobs had a more productive and ultimately more beneficial idea.
“Here, Don’t Be Late Anymore”
Former Apple executive Ron Givens shared this anecdote in a 2011 interview with Wral News. “People were afraid of him… That afternoon, [Jobs] walks into [his secretary’s] office, throws a set of keys to a brand new Jaguar, and says, ‘Here, don’t be late anymore.’ He was always doing things like that, surprising people,” Givens explained.
Jobs’ leadership style was famously intense. He demanded absolute excellence and tolerated no excuses. He could do amazing things to keep his team focused on Apple’s mission. As such, when his secretary found Jobs waiting for her in his office, she feared the worst. What she didn’t expect was to end the day with a new car instead.
“[She was a] single mom, good secretary,” Givens said, highlighting her good performance working for Jobs. This exemplary work may have influenced the Apple co-founder, known for surrounding himself with talented people, to manage his impulses. Instead, he chose to address the issue that had, in the past, caused her to arrive late to the office.
Unpredictable
Andy Hertzfeld, one of the original Macintosh engineers, described working with Jobs as both intimidating and thrilling. Givens echoed this sentiment in the Wral News interview, saying Jobs was “one hell of a motivator.” Jobs was unpredictable. He could fire employees for a simple mistake or reward them with extravagant gifts.
In reality, Jobs giving his secretary a Jaguar wasn’t merely an act of generosity. It reflected his demand for maximum motivation and dedication from his team. By alleviating their personal worries, he sought to ensure they could give their all to the company.
Today, Jobs remains a prominent figure in both the technology and business management sectors. While his methods may have been controversial, his influence on the industry is undeniable. The case of the secretary who received a new Jaguar is just one of many examples of the unpredictability that characterized Jobs’ leadership style.
Image | Grahame Jenkins
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