Steve Jobs and The Four Is Sydney Ackerman

Steve Jobs and The Four I’s Sydney Ackerman

Idealized Influence • Steve Job’s was a perfectionist, and wanted all of his products to be perfect. • “During the creation of the Apple II computer in the late 1970 s, Jobs had to choose the color of the casing and was given 2, 000 shades of beige to choose from. Not one was good enough for Jobs. He wanted to create his own perfect shade of beige” – Gerald Flurry • It is clear that Steve Jobs created a vision of perfection, that everyone in his company followed.

Inspirational Motivation • Steve Jobs had a reputation of “being an asshole”. He would “start shouting at his employees and calling their work shit, and reduce them to tears • He also gave “over-the top praise” • People who worked for him said “that once you had been praised by Steve, then insulted, you would work twice harder to earn back his favors.

Intellectual Stimulation • About a month before the i. Phone was launched, Steve Jobs was unhappy with the screen because the plastic screen kept getting scratched, he wanted it changed to glass • Despite objections, Steve Jobs pushed the challenge, and the screen became perfect in a matter of “ 15 days”.

Individual Consideration • It was always clear that Steve Jobs was not a conformist. A famous quote from Mr. Jobs is “It is more fun to be a pirate than to join the Navy” • Although he was harsh to employees, he would do so in order to push themselves to be the best they could be

Steve Jobs was a Tranformational Leader because… Idealized Influence Use of vision and mission to influence followers Inspirational Motivation Intellectual Stimulation Individualized Consideration Set high expectations, emotional appeal, stories Stimulate innovation and challenging the process Supportive and encouraging climate • He made his vision of perfection known and upheld his vision • He inspired motivation by creating an emotional appeal with praise and consequence • He was always challenging the process to make his product better regardless of deadlines • He believed in being unique and he wanted all of his employees to do the best they could do, and then Steve Jobs would show them they could work harder and better