I'm Steve freakin Jobs

When I see a fantastic leader I have a tendency to get a Bro-mance. [youtube 3tI4CbCniBI]

Block!  Building Kick!  Exxxxpllloooosssssiiioooonnn!

If you know me you know I might be a little gaga for Apple products, recently purchasing the iPad 2.  I waited months for the big unveiling and even blogged about my experience and what we can learn from Apple.  However, Steve Jobs captivated me more than the iPad did.  We know Steve has been battling some health issues but came out of seclusion to introduce the iPad 2.  I was so excited to watch the Keynote event where Apple shares with everyone what the iPad 2 would be able to do and what it would look like.  I don't know Steve Jobs.  He might be a jerk.  He might be a great guy.  What I do know is Steve exhibited some amazing leadership skills at the Keynote.

This was the quote that I loved hearing from him:

"It's in Apples DNA that technology is not enough.  That its technology married with liberal arts, or humanity, that makes our heart sing."

What!  Technology is not enough?  Isn't technology the only thing Apple does!?  According to Steve it's not!  Even Steve gets that the employees of Apple need to feel like they are part of something bigger than just a product.  I imagine there is some serious financial reward working for Apple right now if you're highly capable and creative.  Are you catching this as a leader?  Your product isn't enough.  Regardless of what your product is, or the end result of your mission is, if it doesn't engage your people's absolute best creative places than the job is not rewarding.  Is creativity and life change part of your DNA?

Steve kept going on and on with how captivated he was with the work and creativity of the Apple employees.  Over and over again, he pauses, and then he says, "Isn't it amazing?"  The final thing Steve does in the presentation is thank the families who have supported employees working so hard to a make the product!  As the leader are you giving people space to be creative and thanking those who have sacrificed do make it happen?

If I was Steve I probably would get up and say, "I'm Steve freakin Jobs, here's the iPad 2, it's going to blow your mind!  I have to go, my bank account is calling because it's full.  Peace out."  Luckily for us all, I'm not Steve Jobs.

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