Steve Jobs: 5 Lessons Learned from the Journey back to the Top

Steve Jobs: 5 Lessons Learned from the Journey back to the Top Unfortunately, Steve Jobs was not around to witness the remarkable achievements as his life was cut short after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away on October 5, 2011, at the age of 56. When Jobs founded Apple Computer in 1976, his vision for the market was clear. "We need to create a Volkswagen for personal computers," he declared. A computer for everyone. And he never lost sight of this vision. Even during the tumultuous 1980s, when he was forced out of his own company, Jobs deeply knew that his mission to create a computer for everyone would one day be fulfilled. It took 35 years - 24 years with Apple and 11 years apart - for Steve Jobs to realize his vision. The incredible story of Steve Jobs offers many life lessons. Even if you are not aiming to create the next technological revolution, there are 5 important things that can be applied to all of us.

1. Clearly Define Vision and Purpose When Jobs left Apple in 1985, the choice was limitless. At just 30 years old, talented, famous, and owning hundreds of millions in assets, life could have been an endless series of parties, vacations, luxurious homes, yachts, and extravagances without a care in the world. For many, this may seem like the dream path - after working hard to eventually enjoy life. But Jobs was not driven by the pleasures of life. He still loved the work he chose and pursued it with intense passion. "I even thought about leaving Silicon Valley. But gradually something began to whisper in me. I still love what I do. The Apple setback didn't change that at all. So, I decided to start over." When Jobs left Apple in 1985, his vision for the computer industry was far from being realized, and he could not rest until this vision became a reality. He remained focused on the goal of creating the "Volkswagen of computers" - hence, he chose not to retire early as desired and instead, immediately got to work with NeXT. His work at NeXT and relentless pursuit of his vision and passion opened the door back to Apple, allowing him to begin his era and build Apple into an iconic figure in the technology world. The lesson learned from Jobs is that once you define your vision and purpose, you must stay true to them. Because when tough times come (and they surely will), these values will help steer your ship in the right direction and help you overcome the darkest days.

2 Learn from It

One of embrace Failure an the defining moments in Jobs' life was when he was fired from Apple, the company he co-founded. At that time, it was a devastating blow for him. But instead of letting failure define him, Jobs used it as an opportunity for personal growth and to reassess his goals.

In his famous commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, Jobs said, "I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life."

Jobs' ability to embrace failure and see it as a catalyst for growth is a lesson we can all learn from. It's important to remember that failure is not the end, but an opportunity to learn, improve, and come back stronger.

3 SURROUND Yourself with the Right People

Throughout his career, Jobs understood the value of surrounding himself with talented individuals who shared his passion and vision. He believed in hiring the best and working with people who were as passionate and dedicated as he was.

Having a strong team of talented individuals is crucial to achieving success and realizing your vision. Jobs believed that the people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your own growth and the success of your endeavors.

When Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, one of the first things he did was to build a team of exceptional individuals who shared his passion for innovation and excellence. He handpicked talented professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including design, engineering, marketing, and operations. These individuals, known as the "A-Team," played a key role in reshaping Apple's products and ushering in a new era of success.

Jobs once famously said, "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do." This highlights his belief in empowering his team members and giving them the freedom to express their ideas and contribute to the company's growth.

Surrounding yourself with talented individuals who share your passion and vision not only creates a positive and innovative work environment but also enhances collaboration and fosters creativity. Each member of the team brings their unique strengths and perspectives, enriching the overall decision-making process and driving the organization towards success.