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In a conversation with a student, Steve Jobs was asked about the most important lesson he learned at Apple that he carried forward to his next ventures. Jobs' answer highlighted a significant shift in his leadership approach: taking a longer-term view on people.
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At Apple, Jobs realized that immediately fixing a problem wasn't always the best solution. Instead, he learned the value of building a strong team for the long haul. When someone wasn't performing well, his instinct was to correct the issue directly. However, he came to understand that it was more beneficial to focus on helping that person learn and grow. This approach, though sometimes painful, was crucial for creating a team capable of achieving great things over the next decade, not just the next year.
Building Teams for the Long Haul
Jobs' insight is a powerful reminder for leaders and managers in any field. It underscores the importance of investing in people and taking the time to develop their skills. This long-term perspective can lead to a more cohesive and resilient team, capable of overcoming challenges and achieving sustained success.
"We're building a team here and we're going to do great stuff for the next decade, not just the next year."
Learning from Mistakes
Other successful entrepreneurs have echoed similar sentiments. For instance, Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, emphasizes the importance of learning from failures.
"If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late,"
This approach encourages a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than just problems to be fixed.
The Power of Patience
Taking a longer-term view requires patience and a commitment to personal development. It's about looking beyond immediate results and focusing on the broader goal of building a strong, capable team. This philosophy is not only about improving the skills of individual team members but also about fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
A Case Study in Long-Term Thinking
A notable example of the benefits of long-term thinking can be seen in the approach taken by Google. In its early years, Google faced significant challenges in monetizing its search engine. Instead of focusing solely on short-term profits, the founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, prioritized innovation and user experience. They invested heavily in their team's development and trusted that long-term success would follow. This approach paid off, as Google eventually became one of the most profitable companies in the world.
Conclusion
Steve Jobs' shift to a long-term view on people is a lesson in the power of patience, development, and teamwork. By focusing on building strong teams and helping individuals grow, leaders can create a foundation for sustained success. This approach is echoed by many successful entrepreneurs who understand that the path to greatness is not just about quick fixes but about fostering an environment where people can learn, improve, and thrive over time. Listen to Steve Jobs: