Tag Archives: Perspective

iResignation: What we can learn from Steve Jobs’ Resignation Letter

26 Aug

I stumbled across this and thought if you haven’t read it, you should. It’s Steve Jobs’ resignation letter.

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

It’s not a complicated piece of writing with grand statements about the future. There’s no mention of what has been accomplished thus far. No reference to revenues, or market share.

It’s simple, clean, to the point, and though it was written for many people to read, it’s very personal.

I find it to be similar to Apples’ products. It’s akin to the experience you have when you open the packaging and turn the technology on for the first time. It’s simple, clean, beautiful, and especially humble.

What you make, what you create, what you deliver to others …is an extension of who you are. No better proof of that than Steve and his computer company.

The Modern Meeting

18 Aug

I hate meetings…most of them.  Sometimes I walk out wondering why I was even invited, other times I wonder why anybody agreed to meet with me. Most times we come in with predisposed opinions, closed, and not really interested in listening to what anybody else has to say, instead focused on what we want to say.

Al Pittampalli has just released a book called “Read This Before Our Next Meeting”.  In it he talks about what he thinks is the default stalling tactic in business today, calling a meeting.  It slows down the creative and implementation process and it put’s off having to say yes to a project.

So how do we fix the modern meeting? Al’s got some really good ideas:

  • The Modern Meeting supports a decision that has already been made.
  • The Modern Meeting starts on time, moves fast, and ends on schedule.
  • The Modern Meeting limits the number of attendees.
  • The Modern Meeting rejects the unprepared.
  • The Modern Meeting produces committed action plans.
  • The Modern Meeting refuses to be informational. Reading memos is mandatory.
  • The Modern Meeting works only alongside a culture of brainstorming.

You can buy the book here.

“…there are more zero’s on my paycheck.”

3 Aug

A decade ago I was riding the elevator with my then GM Mark Kopelman.  He looked stressed, I think he had just had his second child, and on our way down, we started complaining to each other about how tough the day was and what lay ahead that evening.  Somehow we got on the topic of money and he said this:

“I have the same issues you have, there are just more zero’s on my paycheck.”

Indeed there are, a lot more I think, but what a profound statement.  We all get wrapped up in chasing what’s next, believing that it’s better on the other side.  If I only made more money, drove a better car, or had a better job, everything would be easier. In fact, it’s not.  Truth is that time and again research has suggested the opposite.  People with the least tend to be the happiest. They have learned to be content with what they have and where they are in life. I’m not suggesting we stop striving and driving for what’s next.  I’m only asking if maybe you already have it. Do you?

Things You Should Say at Work!

28 Jul

This is a list of thoughts that I hope you and your teams are saying out loud inside your office or workspace. If not, print this and keep it as a handy reminder.

It’s far better for you to be thinking this way, rather than your competition.

  • Let’s try it.
  • I have an idea!
  • What if I’m right?
  • What if we did this?
  • Let’s go ask the intern.
  • Have you tried this yet?
  • What if it doesn’t work?
  • What if this actually works?
  • Wait…I’m on to something!
  • But that hasn’t been done before?
  • I have a hunch, let’s hash this out!
  • What would another department do?
  • You can’t ignore the research, can you?
  • Let’s go ask our receptionist what she thinks.
  • What if we fail at this and embarrass ourselves?
  • Nobody else is doing it that way, why should we?
  • What if we actually did what our customers tell us to?
  • Are we doing this because it’s how we’ve always done it?
  • Look at the silent person in the meeting and say “What do YOU think?”
  • How would (insert a completely different company here) manage this?
  • What would somebody from outside of our industry do?
  • Is this a unique idea, or a rehash of what’s been done?
  • Is there another way to use this technology?
  • Let’s go home tonight and ask our kids.
  • I’m over thinking it, let’s just do it.
  • I’m not afraid, are you?
  • I don’t know.
  • Yes we can!
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