Situational Leadership of Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs Case Study
Steve Jobs is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. He is also the chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios and is a board member of Walt Disney Company. His creation of the Apple computer, however, is his well-known accomplishment. His personality can be described as aggressive and demanding. He is also considered as one of Silicon Valley’s leading egomaniacs. Mr. Jobs has always aspired to position Apple and its products at the forefront of the information technology industry. He has accomplished this by foreseeing and setting trends in innovation and style. Jobs has made history in the business world which, “… has contributed much to the symbolic image of the idiosyncratic, individualistic Silicon Valley entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of design and understanding the crucial role aesthetics play in public appeal” (Wikipedia). His forward driven mindset for developing products that are both functional and elegant has earned him a devoted following. His ability to use all four aspects of the Situational Leadership Model in his line of work has made him one of the most successful businessmen today. This case analysis will show how Jobs used the Situational Leadership model to make Apple one of the most innovative computer and technology companies today by effectively using the following leadership styles: selling, telling, participating, and delegating.
The Situational Leadership Model states that when used, “…one should always keep in mind that there is no one best way to influence others. Rather, any leader behavior may be more or less effective depending on the performance readiness level of the person you are attempting to influence” (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson). Jobs has successfully adapted all four styles of Situational Leadership throughout his career and has influenced not only the companies that he worked with, but consumers who have bought his products and services.
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Steve Jobs is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. He is also the chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios and is a board member of Walt Disney Company. His creation of the Apple computer, however, is his well-known accomplishment. His personality can be described as aggressive and demanding. He is also considered as one of Silicon Valley’s leading egomaniacs. Mr. Jobs has always aspired to position Apple and its products at the forefront of the information technology industry. He has accomplished this by foreseeing and setting trends in innovation and style. Jobs has made history in the business world which, “… has contributed much to the symbolic image of the idiosyncratic, individualistic Silicon Valley entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of design and understanding the crucial role aesthetics play in public appeal” (Wikipedia). His forward driven mindset for developing products that are both functional and elegant has earned him a devoted following. His ability to use all four aspects of the Situational Leadership Model in his line of work has made him one of the most successful businessmen today. This case analysis will show how Jobs used the Situational Leadership model to make Apple one of the most innovative computer and technology companies today by effectively using the following leadership styles: selling, telling, participating, and delegating.
The Situational Leadership Model states that when used, “…one should always keep in mind that there is no one best way to influence others. Rather, any leader behavior may be more or less effective depending on the performance readiness level of the person you are attempting to influence” (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson). Jobs has successfully adapted all four styles of Situational Leadership throughout his career and has influenced not only the companies that he worked with, but consumers who have bought his products and services.
The first quadrant of