Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson is an electrifying read. Isaacson, in all biographies he writes, focuses on the key achievements of the character, providing quality insights into all aspects of their work. Personal life in those books is just a side story, intertwined, important and yet not being a center of attention.
In the last chapter of the book, you can read Job's thoughts about legacy. I put below some of the quotes from this chapter, which I find particularly appealing in the resilience context.
My biggest dream was to create a stable company, where people would want to create great products."
His main motivation were products, and not money. Without denying the need of the company to be profitable he is claiming that products should be prioritised for the business to be sustainable and this subtle difference changes the overall management dynamics: type of people being hired, promoted, discussions in the room.
Some companies, in his view, are getting into trouble once they become managed by salesmen. When products are no longer the focus, innovation suffers in the long run.
"I hate it when people call themselves 'entrepreneurs' when what they're really trying to do is launch a startup and then sell or go public, so they can cash in and move on."
"They're unwilling to do the work it takes to build a real company, which is the hardest work in business."
Jobs' commitment to creating a long-lasting, resilient company aligns closely with the principles of minimalist entrepreneurship. This approach emphasizes value-based relationships with customers, community building, thoughtful product development, and organic growth as the keys to a sustainable enterprise. It does not stay in contradiction with growth, as exemplified by Apple but place fundamental value provided by the business first.
"You must be able to be completely honest... This is the culture I tried to create"
Jobs was known for his direct and often brutal critiques. Yet, he considered honesty to be a core responsibility of his role as a manager. Direct feedback, though sometimes uncomfortable, is a crucial element of any resilient system. Managers who can offer this kind of honest, constructive feedback are invaluable, though they are unfortunately rare.
I’ve written recently about the dangers of superficial compliments in this very context.
"The company must always push for innovations... make the next step... That's what I've always tried to do - move forward."
At the heart of Jobs’ thinking was a relentless pursuit of improvement and innovation. His refusal to settle and constant search for new ways to connect technology and life are truly impressive. Like any resilient system, he believed that a company must always be in motion, continuously testing its boundaries and limits.
Honouring Businessman
The public’s reaction to Jobs’ death was unusually emotional for a businessman. Isaacson notes that such emotions are typically reserved for rock stars or celebrities, not for builders. This response highlights a disturbing inconsistency in our society: while we often celebrate and elevate those in entertainment, we don’t always give the same recognition to those who create lasting value. Yet, Jobs was celebrated because he created beautiful products that added a touch of magic to everyday life.
Built to Last?
Jobs dreamed of creating a company that would endure for generations. Many years after his death, Apple is thriving, and his dream may very well continue. He undoubtedly created something that will be remembered for a long time.
Ask Yourself
What is the long-term vision for my career or organization? How does this vision guide my daily decisions?
What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind, both personally and professionally?
What steps am I taking today to build that legacy?
What areas of my business or work could benefit from a fresh, innovative approach?
How honest am I in my feedback to colleagues or employees? Do I avoid difficult conversations that could lead to growth?
How resilient is my organization or career path? Are we prepared to adapt to unexpected challenges?
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References and Notes
Isaacson W. (2011) - Steve Jobs.
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