My Mum, an iPad and Leadership
Whatever your view of Steve Jobs as a leader, entrepreneur, or individual, there is no denying the profound impact he had on our lives. His passion and creativity led to the creation of products that have now become integral to our daily existence. One of Jobs’ most significant contributions was his approach to democratising technology, making computers more affordable, intuitive, and accessible to ordinary people. At a time when technology was primarily in the hands of engineers and scientists, Jobs championed the idea that everyone should have access to a computer. His goal was to create technology that resonated with end users, empowering individuals with the power and advantages of computers.
In today’s world, we take this for granted, but at the time, it was truly revolutionary. The notion that anyone should be able to use a computer seemed destined for the ‘too hard’ basket. Yet, Jobs’ relentless focus on this vision led to the development of products such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPad, and iPhone. It fundamentally changed how we view design and demonstrated that technology—of all kinds—could be both functional and beautiful.
It’s not hard to see that Jobs’ vision has been realised. At 71 years old, my mother received her first piece of technology—an iPad. With minimal instruction, she now stays connected with family and friends via Facebook, FaceTime, and email, checks for updates on her bowling league, and, despite my constant nudging, keeps up with the latest developments on The Bold and the Beautiful. Jobs was right—it is indeed possible to put computers in the hands of everyone.
What if we applied the same vision to leadership? What if we embraced the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to lead? What impact could this have on organisations and society at large?
Sound far-fetched? It seemed just as unlikely to put computers in the hands of everyone back in the early 1980s. The mindset required to realise this vision is fundamentally different from our current view and approach to leadership. Jobs didn’t set out to create computer scientists—he aimed to change how we all access and interact with technology. This philosophy was central to the development of Apple’s products and, ultimately, its commercial success.
Leadership is an essential part of our society. No matter what area of life we engage with, leadership has a profound effect on our experiences. Even a small shift in leadership capability can have a far-reaching impact on the lives of countless individuals—both those who lead and those who choose to follow.
In the end, will everyone become a CEO? No. Will everyone become a leader? No. And that’s fine. Just as Jobs never set out to create computer scientists, this isn’t about pursuing lofty leadership ambitions. It’s about making the essential skills of leadership accessible to everyone, giving them the opportunity to be the best they can be.