Today, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple announced his retirement. What does this mean for Apple? What happens now? Will the spirit and “soul” of Apple continue?
Great products and great organizations do great things when their “soul” is in it. I am using the reference to “soul” with recognition that it is the soul that drives all that we do. “We” refers to individuals or groups of individuals (companies, clubs, or any other grouping of people).
Think about it for a moment. What happened after John Wooden left UCLA or any other leader leaves their group? Is it still the same?
I recall reading the “Soul of the New Machine” and wondering, what next?
I now wonder, what next for Apple? Will Apple continue to be the world leader in innovative technology? Will they continue to be Apple?
My answer to all these questions. I believe Apple is losing its soul, but there are many souls that remain. It will be up to these remaining spirits to create their new Apple.
Good luck Steve Jobs! Good luck Apple!
October 7, 2011 at 5:52 pm
I believe that one of the significant attributes of a good/great leader is their unwavering belief in the vision and mission. Steve Jobs demonstrated this in so many ways; and did so with incredible passion. May his spirit continue to influence for years and years to come.