More than a Mock Turtleneck and a Pair of Jeans

Much has been recently written about Steve Jobs, Apple’s cofounder.  Whenever I think of Steve Jobs, I can’t help but visualize him on a bare stage introducing a new product dressed simply in a mock turtleneck and a pair of jeans.   Even if you are not a user of Apple products or have never seen a Pixar film, it is hard to imagine that your life has not in some way been touch by the hand of Steve Jobs because his innovations not only influenced Apple and Pixar, but competitors were forced to evaluate their products just to “stay in the game.”

 In June of 2005, a year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Jobs delivered the commencement address at Stanford University.  In fifteen short minutes, siting three pivotal stories from his own life, Jobs was able to not only inspire but give valuable perspective to the graduates.

1.  Connecting the dots can only be accomplished in retrospection, therefore trust in your abilities, passion and drive.

 2.  Love what you do; if you don’t, then you need to change direction.

 3.  “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”

 Sound advice for all us not matter what our stage in life maybe.

 In a new biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, an additional life lesson from the life of Jobs is revealed.  When Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the physicians were hopeful for a full recovery because it was a rare form of cancer that was highly operable. Unfortunately, due in part to Jobs’ lack of trust in the wisdom of his physicians, Jobs failed to follow their advice and for nine months sought alternative cures, a decision that he later openly regretted to his biographer.  When he finally had the operation, the cancer had spread.  In spite of the wisdom of the doctors’ advice, Jobs didn’t trust them enough to follow their recommendations.  This remarkable life is was cut short by Jobs’ lack of trust in his doctors.  Hopefully we can all learn from the three simple life lessons he gave in his address at Stanford but also from his last lesson, that of learning to trust.  As a practice management consultant, many times I find myself in the role of not only a trusted ally but also a cheerleader.  If you want to take you practice to the next level contact me for a free consultation. 

Check out Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford University commencement address.