"Trapped by Time's Tyranny": Steve Jobs' Secretary Struggles with Car Trouble and Receives a Surprising Solution – A brand new Jaguar as a replacement key
Headline: Steve Jobs' Unconventional Leadership: A Gift of a Jaguar for Punctuality
Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, was known for his unique leadership style that combined high expectations with surprising acts of kindness. A story from his time at Apple serves as a testament to this unique approach, as he gifted a brand-new Jaguar to one of his secretaries who was consistently late due to car troubles.
Jobs, who was notoriously strict about punctuality, understood the secretary's situation and saw the Jaguar as a tool to help her manage her time better. When he handed her the keys to the car, he simply said, "Here, never be late again." The Jaguar was not just a luxury gift but a practical solution to ensure she could reliably get to work on time without car troubles causing delays.
This act illustrates Jobs' leadership style of combining strict standards with empathetic solutions. He was focused on getting results, but he also understood the importance of removing obstacles that might otherwise have distracted his employees from performing at their best.
Ron Givens, Apple's director of quality from 1981 to 1986, shared this story, which highlights a lesser-known side of Jobs. Givens was also on the receiving end of Jobs' generosity when he was given a $1,000 Steuben-glass apple with no explanation.
The Jaguar gift is an example of Jobs' leadership, where he addressed a practical problem with a personal touch. The cost of the Jaguar at the time was approximately $35,000, equivalent to about $123,000 today.
Jobs' leadership style was characterized by high expectations, and punctuality was one aspect he didn't compromise on. However, his approach to problem-solving was built around addressing both professional and personal issues. His goal was to keep his team focused, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
This incident underscores the paradox of Jobs' leadership, where he was both intimidating and motivating. His unconventional gestures, like the gift of a Jaguar, served as a reminder that even in the face of strict standards, he was capable of surprising acts of kindness.
Jobs' unconventional leadership approach in business extended beyond high expectations, as illustrated by his gift of a Jaguar to a secretary facing car troubles, a practical solution aimed at enhancing punctuality. Reminiscent of his generosity, Givens, a former Apple director, received a $1,000 Steuben-glass apple, further highlighting Jobs' unique leadership style that addressed both professional and personal issues, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
