There’s a famous story about Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple, who left an indelible mark on the world of technology. Jobs possessed a unique ability to inspire, and his magnetic personality consistently drew in both customers and employees. Through products like the Apple II and Macintosh, Jobs didn’t just revolutionize personal computing; he demonstrated that he was a leader like no other.
But what exactly made Jobs so special? How did he manage to inspire and captivate minds?
Sell Sugary Water, or Change the World
Jobs knew how to make even the most complex topics appear simple and appealing. In The Second Coming of Steve Jobs, Alan Deutschman notes that Jobs was a master at transforming dull electronic components into compelling stories. Whether at Apple or Pixar, Jobs made his employees feel that they were part of a grand mission.
A well-known story dates back to March 1983, when Jobs was just 28 years old. He was sitting with John Sculley, the president of PepsiCo, trying to persuade him to join Apple. With remarkable boldness, Jobs turned to Sculley and asked, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugary water, or do you want a chance to change the world?”
Those words were the spark that convinced Sculley to join Apple. It was a moment of boldness, optimism, and a powerful message expressed in simple, yet profound terms. Jobs believed he wasn’t just creating a computer; he was crafting a unique experience, which is what attracted the best minds to work with him.
Telling the Inspirational Story
Jobs was adept at conveying his message with simplicity and brevity, which allowed him to secure funding and attract investors. His ability to tell his story and the company’s mission was a crucial factor in Apple’s success.
So, what about you? Can you describe your message with the same simplicity and clarity that Steve Jobs did? The ability to distill your message in an inspiring and captivating way could be the key difference between success and failure.