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Steve Jobs believed that the greatest people are those who are self-managing. According to Jobs, these individuals don't need to be micromanaged. Once they understand what needs to be done, they will figure out how to do it independently. This autonomy is crucial because it allows talented individuals to thrive and innovate without unnecessary oversight.
"The greatest people are self managing. They don't need to be managed. You if they know what if once they know what to do, they'll go figure out how to do it and they don't need to be managed at all."
Jobs emphasized that what these self-managing people need is a common vision. "That's what leadership is," he said. Leadership involves having a vision, being able to articulate that vision clearly so that the people around you can understand it, and getting everyone on board with a shared goal. This unified direction allows everyone to work towards a common purpose.
Jobs' approach to building a team was unique. He wanted people who were "insanely great" at what they did, not necessarily those with the most experience or seasoned professionals. He sought individuals who had a deep passion and the latest understanding of technology at their fingertips. These were the people who could take new technological advancements and bring them to the masses.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of this approach is the self-policing nature of a core group of talented individuals. When you gather a group of about ten great people, they become selective about who they allow into their circle. This creates a high standard of excellence within the team.
"So the neatest thing that happens is when you get a core group of, you know, 10 great people that it becomes self policing as to who they let into that group. So I consider the most important job of someone like myself is recruiting."
For Jobs, recruiting was the most important job for someone in his position. Finding and bringing together the right people who shared the vision and had the drive to make it a reality was key to achieving extraordinary results.
In summary, Steve Jobs' philosophy on management and leadership highlights the importance of autonomy, a shared vision, and the right team. By focusing on these elements, leaders can create an environment where innovation and excellence thrive naturally.
Listen to his experience: