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Will Steve Jobs' exit get other businesses thinking?

How will Steve Jobs' health affect Apple both now and in the future? And what does it mean for businesses with iconic leadership? Paul Briden finds out...

By Paul Briden, 19 Jan 2011 at 19:34

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Apple's future has become the subject of varied speculation, after Steve Jobs' announcement he will take medical leave for the second time in two years, this time for an indefinite period.

The situation may well be a learning experience for the industry as a whole. It raises questions about just how much technology companies should allow themselves to become dependant on the unique abilities of individuals.

There are, no doubt, lessons to be learnt for businesses in other sectors too.

On 17 January 2011, Jobs sent a heartfelt email to all Apple employees, confirming the board had granted him medical leave to focus on his health. But he maintained that he would remain as chief executive (CEO) and be involved in associated strategic decision making.

“I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011,” he wrote.
“I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy,” Jobs added.

While it may look like Jobs is just taking some time out on health grounds as he’s done before, there are marked differences between the email he recently sent and the one that preceded his last leave of absence. Back in January 2009, for example, he clearly stated that he was taking six months off and the date of his return had already been set.

This time around, things have been left somewhat open, leaving in many to ponder what will happen next.

There’s also the question, of course, of whether or not it’s even possible to appoint an interim CEO when it’s unclear whether they’ll need to lead the company in just a temporary or permanent capacity.

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2 comments

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Jobs and Apple

Yes, Jobs is currently the inspiration and guiding force at Apple, but it as got to the point when, whether well or ill, he needs to seriously consider the future of Apple without him.

His company is staffed by some seriously heavyweight designers and thinkers who, if the company is to continue to progress after he leaves, need to flex their wings and take the company on to the next level in what is probably the most competitive and innovative marketplace ever.

In the words of the song, 'We don't want to lose you, but we think you ought to go', Steve.

We don't want to lose him, but sooner or later, we will. It is what happens next that should be the main consideration for the company.

By RogerJohn on Friday Jan 21

Steve Jobs, illness, and Age.

Steve is a mortal with an immortal icon. We all enter this world with nothing and leave the same way but, we usually add something memorable before we go.

Business is the same. Steve's long history of being a source and a shepherd of innovation for an out of the box thinking and making it work, while being able to profit on each new generation of widget is legendary. If you are wondering who could replace him. Anyone can replace him, but to be like him, you need the rebel who can challenge, inspire, and deliver. To keep the company profitable and innovative requires a commitment to the vision of creative use of human talents and desires. He [or she] also needs to keep things close to the chest. Steve left before [was forced to leave] and the "anyone"s who replaced him thought they knew better. They were wrong and when Steve returned, he returned the principals he started and added some new ones he learned.

The business model is set the players are well versed. How to handle the the money is set and available for all the next generation of dreams and passions. Apple has almost always delivered the next expectation with timing and class. All they have to do is keep the inspiration alive and have faith.

If you are looking for parallels perhaps one only needs a little history lesson from Hughes [as in Howard Hughes]. Now whether Steve is that wealthy or not, is not the point. While Howard Hughes left his estate in discord, from lack of interest. I suspect that Steve Jobs has a better plan. Sharing these plans with others earlier only starts the litigations sooner and adds an unnecessary layer of complication to a life that needs nothing more to complicate it.

The smart investor will watch and wait but no one can claim foul to a stock or product that has prevailed for so long and so well. That kind of leadership is infectious and I believe is alive and well within the company, and will be there for sometime to come.

By OldCedar on Friday Jan 21