Steve Jobs on Effective Managers

Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple, once shared insights into what makes the best managers, emphasizing the importance of individual contributors who excel in their roles.

Hiring Professional Managers

Reflecting on Apple’s early days in a 1985 interview, Jobs revealed that the initial approach was to hire professional managers as the company expanded. However, this strategy proved ineffective, with Jobs describing many of them as incompetent.

The Role of Individual Contributors

Contrary to conventional wisdom, Jobs argued that the best managers are often those who never aspired to managerial roles but excelled as individual contributors. He emphasized the importance of having a deep understanding of the work and a passion for technology.

Leadership Vision

Jobs believed that effective leadership involves articulating a compelling vision and rallying others around it. He sought individuals who were not only proficient in their fields but also shared his passion for pushing technological boundaries.

Lessons Learned

In the early years of Apple, Jobs and his team had to dismiss some of the professional managers they had hired, highlighting the challenges of traditional managerial recruitment methods.

Legacy and Controversy

While Jobs’ leadership style contributed to Apple’s remarkable success, his recruitment strategy is subject to debate. The practice of promoting high-performing employees into managerial roles, known as “The Peter Principle,” can lead to incompetence without adequate training and support.

As Apple continues to evolve, Jobs’ insights serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing talent and aligning leadership with organizational goals.