The only way to do great work is to love what you do…Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
–Steve Jobs

The “i” Leader – Steve Jobs . . .

In 1998 Mr. Jobs introduced the iMac and said the “i” represented “internet, individual, instruct, inform and inspire.” The last 4 certainly represent his role as a leader, but you can also add passion and vulnerability to his leadership style.

He openly shared that he was not a college graduate, that he was given up for adoption, that money was an issue, and that he felt that he was a public failure when he was fired from Apple at the age of 30. After being fired, he took a few months to regroup, and decided to trust in life and destiny and regained his confidence.

Although not a college graduate, he did attend a wide range of classes that supported his vision and his dream. He signed up for a calligraphy class because it sounded interesting, and believed that his exposure to fonts, spacing, and sizing was the influence for the MAC (and he also said for Windows!).

He loved technology and wanted his products to enrich the lives of others. He felt his creativity grew after being fired, and that his love for his work kept him moving forward. This led to the creation of NEXT and PIXAR, and ultimately his return to Apple.

His belief was to never settle, love what you do, don’t live someone else’s dream, and don’t lose faith. He certainly lived his beliefs! Are you?

Bill Gates says:

Steve Jobs moved industries, companies, and most importantly, people. His thoughtful stubbornness and insanely high standards have inspired and will continue to inspire entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators the world over.