“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” This was a quote from Apple’s “Think Different” commercial, 1997 (video)
In the April 2012 issue of Harvard Business Review, (Subscription required) Walter Isaacson, CEO of the Aspen Institute and the author of Steve Jobs wrote an article The Real Leadership Lessons of Steve Jobs. In it he breaks down 14 key practices that every CEO can emulate. It is a thoughtful reminder of how and why the basics matter. Whether your a CEO or in another leadership function these 14 practices are important to consider. I’ll list a few of my favorites, but I encourage you to read the article in its entirety.
#3 Take Responsibility from End to End-Do you take responsibility for your client’s experience with your agency from an Agents introductory sales call through the annual client review process?
#5 Put Products Before Profits-Do you create an environment where your team is inspired to do great things?
#7 Bend Reality-Do you push yourself and your team to think big, boldly and without limits?
And of course #14 Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish-Are you still a rebel? Do you hire, work with or associate with people that help you “Think Different.”
How do these practices align with yours?