1. What are the factors that contributed to the success and failure of Steve Jobs as a technopreneur?
In “Pirates of the Silicon Valley”, you will apparently visualize the factors that contribute to the success and failure of Steve Jobs. On the succeeding paragraph I will situate the factors.
Steven Paul Jobs, a dropped out student of Reed College who is now a chairman & CEO at Apple Inc. plus a Director at The Walt Disney Company.[i] You might wonder how this man achieves this. By considering his leadership style and his persona, I believe that we will be able to figure it out.
First and foremost his Appeal or Charisma. Steve Jobs is well-known for his capability to give speeches and captivate the audience’ attention. He is a gifted speaker with an uncanny ability to confound his employees and the public with an almost evangelistic delivery. His charisma enables him to whip up the enthusiasm of his employees to achieve more by doing seemingly impossible tasks, and also convince customers to buy his products. However, Jobs is described by some as being manipulative, dishonest, and boorish. His charisma type could be described as being personalized.
He wants people to follow him, expects obedience and much of it seemingly out of the self-interest, since working at “Apple” is what he considers a valuable goal in his life. Therefore, I personally call him as a “Puppet Master”.
In his charismatic communication style he appears as the “story telling” type, as can be deduced from how he performs his speeches. He is a visionary type who communicates his visions well in this story telling fashion.
Now let us consider his leadership style. Because of his “manipulative” behavior he is considered by some of his employees as autocratic. His behavior in meetings for instance is described as being rude, authoritative and obnoxious. Because of his quest for perfection he has domineering presence which makes some of the employees fear him. However, in his later years, he shows more warmth and less vindictiveness towards his employees. In fact, a current rating of approval by his employees shows Jobs to get a 90% approval rating. Jobs seems to micromanagement at Apple. Jobs admits that there are an incredible amount of up to 100 individuals reporting directly to him.
Jobs is demanding both towards himself and towards his employees. His deadlines often seem impossible to meet, but is constantly moving, moving towards improvement in all spheres of his work.
At the same time Jobs is being described as entrepreneurial: “Jobs may be a multibillionaire, but that hasn’t cut into his work ethic. He brings an entrepreneur’s energy to tasks many CEOs would see as beneath them”[ii]. This is also reflected by Jobs’ repeated introduction of products that revolutionize the entertainment industry, and the way entertainment media is distributed (e.g. the iPhone and iPod as media devices and iTunes as distribution channel). He is able to combine his innovative ideas with consumer desires, marketing visions and the skills of managing his team.
Steve Jobs can be depicted as transformational as a leader. He has transformed Pixar into a success story. However, he appears to lack humane qualities of a transformational leader, namely: emotional intelligence, personal encouragement, building trust (Apple is famous for its secrecy, even admitted by Jobs himself: “it is generally not Apple’s policy to trumpet our plans for the future; we tend to talk about the things we have just accomplished” [iii]) etc.
His leadership motives can, deducing from what was just said above, be assumed to be a personalized power motive.
From what we have discussed above we could say that the following may like be true for his personality traits:
Humility: incredibly low. (The documentary “The triumph of the nerds” can be used for reference [iv]. This documentary has Jobs talk about some of his less successful episodes, blaming others for the losses.)
Trustworthiness: probably low, if the mentioned secrecy he exhibits in dealing with the world outside the company is in any way a reflection of how he deals with flow of information within the company (which is likely, since many projects remain incredible enough, secret until they are unveiled, like exemplified in the recent introduction of the iPad[v]).
Authenticity: true authenticity is based on self-reflection, which requires a degree of humility we can safely assume from the already analyzed not to be found in Jobs.
Extraversion: his self-confidence may at first be mistaken for extraversion; however, extraversion in a socially interested way appears not to be extractable from the above analysis.
Assertiveness: the description of how he runs meetings and the aggression with which he motivates his employees speaks for a high degree of assertiveness.
Enthusiasm: his speeches and his entrepreneurial behavior indicate a large degree of enthusiasm. He has a passion for his vision and a strong will to change the world with his products [vi].
Sense of humor: he never exhibited it, in case he posses it.
Self-confidence, trust in success: intimidating high. His dress code is far beyond that of a CEO. The confidence in him leaves no room for questioning if a CEO should appear in public with jeans [vii].
Here are some of the words that describe or depicts Steve Jobs’ attitude towards his employee which is also considered as a factor of his failure.
Manipulative
Dishonest
Boorish
Rude
Authoritative
Obnoxious
Demanding
Often seem impossible to meet
Lack humane qualities
In addition, another factor of his failure is that he puts his trust to the wrong guy. Where in the movie he gave the prototype of their software. I believe that his failure can be considered also as a factor to his success. Because without this Apple will not be able to achieve what they have right now.
The final remark shall be left to Jobs who asked an often cited energizing and motivating question: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice; and the most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary”. [viii]
References:
[i]:http://www.allaboutstevejobs.com/being/being.html
[ii]:http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_06/b3970001.
[iii]:http://images.apple.com/hotnews/agreenerapple/docs/A_Greene
[iv]:http://www.pbs.org/nerds/part1.html
[v]:http://www.utalkmarketing.com/pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=16688&Title=Why_the_Apple_iPad_launch_was_th
[vi]: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_44/b3906025_mz07
[vii]: http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1595326_
[viii]: http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2005/07/01/steve-jobs-your-time-is-limited-so-dont-waste-it-living-someone-elses-life/
2. How do you see yourself as a technopreneur?
Before we visualize ourselves as a technopreneurship, let us first define what is technopreneurship?
As I understand it, technopreneurship is, by a large part, still entrepreneurship. The difference is that technopreneurship is either involved in delivering an innovative hi-tech product (e.g. Intel) or makes use of hi-tech in an innovative way to deliver its product to the consumer (e.g. eBay), or both (e.g. most pharmaceutical companies). A technopreneur is an entrepreneur who is technology savvy, creative, innovative, dynamic, dares to be different and take the unexplored path, and very passionate about their work. They take challenges and strive to lead their life with greater success. They don't fear to fail. They take failure as a learning experience, a stimulator to look things differently and stride for next challenge. Technoprenuers continuously go through an organic process of continual improvement and always try to redefine the dynamic digital economy.
Technology and entrepreneurial skills are driving many economies to prosperity. The most famous of them all is, Bill Gates, who makes Microsoft a household name all over the world. Steve Jobs - well known for his innovations. IPod - most carried gadget by young population. Look at the success of Google - brain child of Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
Technopreneurship is not a product but a process of synthesis in engineering the future of a person, an organization, a nation and the world. In a digital, knowledge based society, strategic directions or decision-making processes will be demanding and complex. This requires tertiary level and professional development programs and training to produce strategic thinkers who will have the skills to succeed in a dynamically changing global environment. Traditional educational programs, however, lack the methodology to transform today's students into creative, innovative, visionary global leaders who understand the importance of technopreneurship.
Honestly, I still do not have the experience in technopreneurship. But what I do have is a little experience in entrepreneurship. Last summer I tried to engage in some business and it was a good experience even though I do not know how and where I am going to spend the money that I have earned.
On the proceeding sentences I will share some ideas on how and what to do for you to be able to become a successful technopreneur. The secrets to success lie in three key factors which businesses that last always observe. First, the business needs a real entrepreneur at its helm. A real entrepreneur, is someone who has the ability to create a clear vision, effectively communicate that vision to other people like for example employees, investors and shareholders, customers, and pursue it relentlessly. It is not a matter of having the academic or technical skills or experience working in a business environment (so that is why Steve Jobs and Bill Gates manage to become a successful technopreneur).
For example just because you can bake a great pie does not necessarily mean that you should open a pie shop. You see, the product of the entrepreneur is not really the pie. Lots of people can bake great pies but the business itself. In other words, to make it easier, it is not about the secret pie recipe but the business strategy that will get the pie efficiently produced and distributed. That is why it is not important to have clear objectives and a clear strategy, and not just a good idea for a product or service.
The next factor to consider is when to start the business. I do not believe that there is ever a bad time to start a business. But you must carefully consider prevailing business conditions in order to position your product or service properly and increase your chances of succeeding. We call this taking advantage of the “wave”. A “wave” is a movement or trend that sweeps businesses in a common direction.
An example is the global upsurge in demand for outsourced services. I believe all great successes in business are the product of recognizing a wave before it hits. This is what some people call strategic insight. Strategic insight provides the advantages of being first to market, time to attract necessary resources, and the luxury of making mistakes.
Finally, I would suggest that technopreneurs must stay committed to their vision. This is really the hard part because things won’t always go smoothly according to plans and projections. The reality is there will be moments when you might not be hitting your margins or you have to sacrifice your own salary to be able to pay your employees. But as long as the business is making a profit, stick it out. What differentiates a successful businessman from an unsuccessful one is that the successful business is still at it after five years because it endured tough times.
The task that technopreneurs must face when starting up, developing and managing a new business are enormous. The technopreneur often finds it difficult to fulfill all the necessary management roles effectively. I may be skilled and effective in design, research and development, production and selling but may lack the experience in business administration, including financial matters.
Before I start a technological business, I have to assess my understanding of the business as well as my readiness and ability to manage the proposed venture. It is important that I must possess the following:
A. some previous work experience or skills appropriate to my business.
B. knowledge of my products/service and the market for it.
C. understanding of the relationship between product knowledge of technological goods and the disciplines of marketing, production, finance and administration.
For me, the hardest part of starting a business is coming up with a business idea, whether a small business is a part-time one person operation run out of someone’s home or a multi-million dollar company with dozen of employees.
For instance, you want to work in a particular field but do not know what you might do specifically. Or maybe all you know is that you want to start a business, but you are on the lookout for a business idea that inspires you.
In my case, I am still a college student. In an employee’s mindset, the first thing that will really come out in his mind will be working for someone else, or shall we say summer job. But for an employer’s mindset, it will be different. Why not start your business instead of working for someone else? Besides accomplishing the main objective of making money over the summer, when you start your own business you’ll have the satisfaction of being your own boss and of creating something yourself. Another great advantage of starting your own business is that you will not have to waste time looking for a summer job, simply because you already have one.
When it comes to choosing a small business idea for summer job replacement, there are two approaches that I have to take. I will plan to start a seasonal business that I can pack up and close down at the end of the summer when I go back to school, or I can choose a business that allows me to continue running the business ( on a reduced scale) throughout the year. Now here are some of the best business ideas for us students.
Lawn Care/Landscaping
This is a great small business idea for me as a student because it is seasonal and is greatly in demand throughout the summer season and almost anyone can do it. Another great thing about this small business idea is that it is easily expandable; I can add landscaping and/or gardening if I have the knowledge and abilities.
Sports equipment rental
Summer is that season to get moving and there is a big appetite for wheeling around on bikes, rollerblades, skateboards or scooters. The right location and the right weather could make this small business idea a real money maker.
Guided tours
This is good especially for those who live in an area with historical/cultural/scenic attractions. I will not despair If I do not live in a place with spectacular scenery or historical chops; ecotours and guided hikes are becoming increasingly popular. Taking people on tours of the local flora and fauna has the added bonus of getting outside in the sweet season.
eBay Selling
This is a small business idea that could have real potential. Find the right product to sell and build a good reputation as a seller and selling on eBay could be a bonanza. The downside is that doing these two things takes research and time. On the upside, however, this is certainly a business that would be easy to continue on a part-time basis.
Vegetable Delivery
People are paying more attention to what they eat and where it comes from than ever before - and are more willing than ever before to pay a premium to eat “better”. A summer business such as preparing and delivering boxes of fresh vegetables and fruits (organic or otherwise) could be very profitable.
Exterior House Cleaning
Window washing, gutter cleaning, power washing exteriors - start your own business doing the home care chores that others hate to do and you can clean up during the summer clean up season! And once you’ve established this business, it should have great carry-over potential, giving you a list of repeat clients summer after summer.
House/Pet Sitting
Many people travel during the summer and need someone to look after their houses and/or pets while they're gone. Making the rounds and taking in newspapers and mail, checking the house and feeding or walking “Sweetie” could be a great “summer job” business for you and it could even have the added bonus of giving you a place to live over the summer.
House Call Geek
If you're technologically savvy, you have expertise that a lot of people still don't. Start your own business making house calls troubleshooting computer problems and/or showing people how to do what they want to do with their computers. This is another small business idea that would work well as a part-time business post-summer, too.
3. Would you take the same career path that Steve Jobs took? Why or why not?
Steve Jobs’ career path is very hard to follow. You are going to encounter lots of challenges and hardships. Following his path will definitely test your patience and skills. One must also meet the requirements while taking his career path. Those requirements are as follows:
Faith: Actually, Steve Jobs really don’t know what he was doing in his life. He was just a college dropout; many gave up on him and had little faith in his abilities. But what I really admire about him is that he never gives up on himself. He still continued to pursue the opportunity that he found interesting, trusting that in the end it would be more meaningful and even perhaps useful, not only for himself but also for the others. Jobs soon learned that all in his life, even the most terrible things, seem to happen for a cause and he is now able to place a certain amount of faith in the uncontrollable.
Passion:”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,” says Jobs. From the first days working at his father’s workbench, Jobs finally found out that his future lay in the creation of things. And that was until he met Wozniak in 1968 that he knew what those things were. And that were that I am talking about are personal computers. Despite of the failures that he had encountered such as Apple III and being fired from the company he helped found, Steve Jobs still manages to come back out on top simply because he always knew that he did not want to devote his life to anything but his passion.
Courage: Whether risky or outright foolish, Jobs was from then on out determined to follow his intuition in guiding his business decisions.
Innovation: Most CEOs were just focusing on sales and financing. Unlike Jobs who was concerning himself with the next big thing. Jobs made it his top priority to keep on top of the next frontier. Jobs continues to work towards ensuring Apple a place at the top of the market for the years to come by filling his company with only the brightest of people.
Vision: Jobs is an open-minded person and has the natural ability to put new twist on old techniques. This was one of the key distinguishing factors between Jobs and his competitors. Jobs’ vision was integrated into every aspect of the company’s strategy. If you dreamed of changing the world, then Jobs was out to prove any way he could that you needed and Apple computer to do it.
Godly Heart: I believe this is the only factor that Steve Jobs lack while he is in the process of creating Apple. If he committed himself to God first before everything I think Microsoft position right now will be taken over by the Apple.
At first I really thought that you will make use of your IQ. Fortunately, I was wrong. Being a technopreneur does not just require you to be smart or even finish college. All I have to do is to follow what is stated above this paragraph. And I believe that it is more than enough.
As for me, I would really want to follow his track. He is really my role model when it comes to business and marketing. I believe that by following his track in the context of business I will surely become successful.
So in what ways will I be able to follow his track? First, I must always remember that before achieving the true essence of success there may come many failures and disappointments. By remembering this, it will surely help me to be open-minded and have faith in myself that one day I will overcome all these breakdowns and distress and will savor the success.
The next thing to ponder is to understand the market for my technology is one of the first things that I should look at when I am deciding to launch a tech venture. I have to work on my business plan. Things like what is my market, my supplier strategy, my plan to get capital, my plan to hire local developers, and most important of all, how to bag some sales.
I am still a novice in this field so I will definitely need a mentor who can guide all my decisions. Some of the most successful technology companies in the world began because their founders were able to find good mentors. Just like Steve Jobs and Steven Wozniak who are being mentored by Mark Markkula and ex-Intel executive. In addition, the people whom I trust might be able to tell whether a particular person can help my venture or not.
If ever my product clicks, I should have technology plans for the future products. Obviously, having just a one product for the company will not really help in the future. Even if it is not complete at the beginning, I must have a written plan that I can revisit every so often. I must constantly recheck my assumptions, and the courses of action that my plan to take.
I must be ready always. Opportunity only knocks once, but we don’t know exactly when.
How does following Steve Jobs path affect other people? If one day my technology will become a hit, I will be able to make it bigger, which requires more employees. Therefore I can give opportunities to those people especially those who are unemployed.
What are the benefits of following Steve Jobs track?
Honestly, there is no secure paycheck and I can’t really talk about the benefits yet.
Technopreneurship is a very good career and it may serve as an opportunity to those who are not satisfied with their jobs as an employee. To those who have graduated but unfortunately doesn’t have the job or shall we say unemployed. This will surely help our country especially now that we are facing an economical crisis. Let us refrain from whining and blaming the politicians for what had happened to your life. Stand up! And follow your dreams. Put your dreams into actions and be passionate with it. Who knows? you might be the Filipino version of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
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