Much More than Just a "Jobs"

I could not let one day go by without making mention of the departure of Steve Jobs from Apple.

It seems like only yesterday when a dark haired, energetic young man stood next to a cloaked box and then in a flash of fanfare revealed the NeXT computer.  Not as an Apple legend, but as a fired employee of Apple starting something new.

Then fast forward to yesterday's news and today's stories in the news.  In this case, in the New York Times.

TOP NEWS

Jobs Steps Down at Apple, Saying He Can't Meet Duties

By DAVID STREITFELD

Steven P. Jobs, who has cancer, made Apple one of the world's most valuable companies. Timothy D. Cook will take over as chief executive.

Steve Jobs the iconic leader of Apple without even so much as one mention of the failed NeXT venture.

I cannot recall a more incredible story of one man building a dream that was shared by so many and has literally changed so many ways we think and do things.  From taking the PC to the era of MAC, from the amazing Walkman to the astonishing iPod, from the Motorola flip phone to the incredible iPhone, and from the understanding of the value of portable technology evolved the game-changing iPad.

One man, many dreams and one determined focus.  He made dreams come true.  He produced what we all wanted.  He had little care for what others thought about him or his ideas.  He only imagined what the consumer would want, doubled that vision in terms of functionality and flexibility and simply delivered it.

More than all the devices, more than the value of the Apple company and more than the all fame and fortune I have to think this guy is simply extremely pleased with all he has accomplished thus far in his life.

Something I think we all could learn from in business - and in our lives.

You might have stepped down because you didn't believe you could meet your duties Steve but in my book - and in the rest of the world's book - you have far exceeded your duties and you are more than deserving of some time off.