Business Policy and Strategic Management
Business Policy and Strategic Management
Business Policy and Strategic Management
PSDA
Steve Jobs’ leadership style was autocratic. He had a meticulous eye for detail and an
insistence on perfection. His leadership style often resulted in him exercising a “my way or
the highway”-style approach — He was even known to surround himself with like-minded,
agreeable individuals who would allow him to continue to execute his visions his way, no
matter if they ended up being successful or not. Some of the main elements of his leadership
style included effective communication, involvement, innovation, risk-taking, passion, and
focus. He knew that he was the one in charge, and he didn’t need to rely on collaboration and
input from his team to keep things moving forward. He believed that work was more efficient
and effective when he made all of the choices. Leadership for Steve Jobs was based on
vision, passion, people, and doing something that you love. By building a successful business
like Apple, he proved his business abilities and leadership skills that were put into action to
manage a huge workforce that worked relentlessly to achieve the company's success.
The thing that made Steve Jobs' leadership style stand out was the innovative quotient and
uniqueness. As a leader and CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs believed in things that may seem
small to the rest but withhold the power to create something huge.
He was also an unconventional leader. He never managed the company based on theoretical
ideas published in books. He took a different and unique direction in his style of management
and leadership. Jobs’ winning charisma and infectious passion for his products led to an
almost inescapable feeling that Apple and its products could do the impossible.
KEY DIFFERENCES
Here are some key differences between the leadership styles of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook:
Innovation vs. optimization: Steve Jobs was a visionary leader who was known for his
ability to create new products and markets. He was a master at identifying new
opportunities and pushing boundaries. In contrast, Tim Cook is a more operational
leader who is focused on optimizing existing processes and maximizing efficiency.
Hands-on vs. delegative: Steve Jobs was known for being a hands-on leader who was
deeply involved in every aspect of Apple's products and operations. He was known
for his attention to detail and micromanagement. Tim Cook, on the other hand, is a
delegative leader who trusts his team to execute the company's vision and strategy.
Risk-taking vs. risk-averse: Steve Jobs was a risk-taker who was not afraid to make
bold bets on new products and markets. He was willing to take big risks and fail fast.
Tim Cook, on the other hand, is more risk-averse and focused on minimizing risks
and maximizing returns.
Charismatic vs. humble: Steve Jobs was a charismatic leader who was known for his
showmanship and ability to captivate an audience. He was a master at storytelling and
had a magnetic personality. In contrast, Tim Cook is more humble and understated,
preferring to let his actions speak for themselves.
Centralized vs. collaborative: Steve Jobs was known for his centralized leadership
style, where he made all the key decisions and had final say on everything. Tim Cook,
on the other hand, is more collaborative and inclusive, seeking input and feedback
from his team before making important decisions.
In summary, while both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook are highly successful leaders, their styles
differ significantly. Steve Jobs was a visionary, hands-on leader who was focused on
innovation and taking risks, while Tim Cook is an operational, delegative leader who
prioritizes optimization and collaboration.
STRATEGIC INTENT
Steve Jobs and Tim Cook are two prominent figures in the tech industry, and both played a
critical role in the success of Apple Inc. Jobs was the co-founder of Apple and is widely
credited for revolutionizing the personal computing industry with products like the
Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone. Cook, on the other hand, took over as CEO after Jobs’ death in
2011 and has led the company to continued success.
Under Jobs' leadership, strategic intent at Apple was centered around creating revolutionary
products that would change the way people live their lives. Jobs had a strong vision for
Apple, and he was known for his attention to detail and his ability to anticipate what
consumers wanted before they even knew it. This approach resulted in products like the iPod,
iPhone, and iPad, which completely disrupted the music, mobile phone, and tablet markets.
Jobs' approach to strategic intent was based on three main pillars: simplicity, focus, and
empathy. He believed that Apple's products should be simple and easy to use, with a focus on
the user experience. Jobs also emphasized the importance of focus, and he was known for his
mantra of "saying no to a thousand things" in order to focus on a few key products. Finally,
Jobs believed in empathy, or the ability to understand and anticipate the needs of consumers.
Jobs also believed in a closed ecosystem approach, where Apple controlled both the hardware
and software of its products. This allowed Apple to deliver a seamless user experience and
ensured that its products were of the highest quality. This approach was evident in the success
of the iPod, which combined a simple, easy-to-use interface with high-quality hardware and
software.
Under Tim Cook's leadership, strategic intent at Apple shifted slightly, with a focus on
expanding the company's services business. Cook recognized the importance of services like
Apple Music, iCloud, and the App Store, which provide a recurring revenue stream and help
lock customers into the Apple ecosystem.
Cook's approach to strategic intent is based on three main pillars as well: innovation,
operational excellence, and social responsibility. Cook believes that innovation is critical to
Apple's success, and he has overseen the release of new products like the Apple Watch and
the AirPods, as well as the continued development of the iPhone and iPad. Cook has also
emphasized the importance of operational excellence, streamlining Apple's supply chain and
manufacturing processes to make the company more efficient and profitable.
Finally, Cook has emphasized social responsibility, with a focus on issues like diversity,
privacy, and environmental sustainability. Cook has made it clear that Apple takes these
issues seriously and is committed to making a positive impact on the world. This approach
has helped Apple improve its reputation and appeal to consumers who care about these
issues.
Overall, both Jobs and Cook were masters at creating strategic intent that aligned with the
company's strengths and opportunities. Jobs was focused on creating ground-breaking
products that would change the world, while Cook has been focused on expanding Apple's
services business and emphasizing social responsibility. Both approaches have been critical
to the success of Apple, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve
under Cook's leadership in the years to come.