What leaders can learn from Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs

Becoming a successful business leader is no easy task, and not many are born with leadership skills. But what makes a good leader is not some inborn quality but rather the ability to learn from others, take challenges, and grow from them both personally and professionally.

One of the world’s prominent business, technological, and corporate leaders, Steve Jobs, shared this belief. There are tons we can discern from his mantra and mission in transforming the world we live in.

Here are some leadership lessons we can learn from the man.

#1: Have accountability

A good leader knows that they can’t lead by simply delegating. Nothing is more tiresome than a group of people who have accountability for one small action but not the entire chain of events they’re a part of.

A leader claims the entire process from start to finish, giving more than what is asked of them time after time. They are also personally accountable for every step along the way. This intensive approach to leadership will draw respect from your colleagues and encourage them to work in the same way.

Steve Jobs inspected every bit of the product, including the user experience. From purchase to unboxing and use, he was involved in the full process.

#2: Believe that everything is possible
a man giving a thumbs up to a lady at work

Image Credits: careeraddict.com

Steve Jobs was in the habit of making the impossible possible, but in true leader fashion, he didn’t do it through force or demand. Instead, he would simply look at someone and tell them he believed in them.

His characteristic of not taking no for an answer is commendable. This optimistic mindset can help build pride and confidence in your team members. If they know of your trust and unconditional support for them, they will likely be more inspired to tackle the unthinkable and make massive progress in their responsibilities.

Just think about a time at work when your superior told you not to give up because he/she thinks you have the potential to make it happen. How did it make you feel? Were you more powered up? What was the outcome of your assignment?

#3: Foster collaboration

One of the biggest obstacles to leadership is the idea that specific fields, opinions, or teams should stay separated from each other. In fact, Steve Jobs saw this most clearly in the world of art and science.

He worked tirelessly to combine scientific innovation with aesthetic and graphic design because he believed in the power of collaboration.

A good leader understands that working between two separate teams can provide insight and spark fresh ideas you may never have discovered otherwise. They do not hesitate to go out of their way to bring collaboration wherever possible.

When collaboration at the workplace is done right, everyone can benefit from a variety of perspectives. It may bring to light strengths and weaknesses but take it as a chance to better fill in competency gaps. Learn and grow from the experience!

#4: Don’t settle for second best
a neon sign that reads 'best'

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Steve Jobs once said, “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. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

The man believed that it was critical to have a goal to work towards frequently. As soon as you settle, you give up on a potential future of incredible achievements. As a leader, you want to encourage your coworkers to dream big, more prominent than they ever thought possible, because dreams do come true.

Even if a project seems too big to accomplish, it’s okay. Having an aim is better than having none. It can push you to take that first step, challenge you to greater heights, and leave you hungry to be a better version of yourself than the previous day.

#5: Keep your focus

Overcomplicating anything is the fastest way to destroy a project. Steve Jobs recognised that excellent leadership was about keeping companies simple, processes streamlined, and goals focused.

He worked with a single-minded, intense focus on the missions he wanted to accomplish, and by keeping it uncomplicated, he was able to lead his team to better outcomes more quickly than ever before.

In 1997, Apple was working on several different prototypes and products. Instead of investing in research and development, they were an utterly unfocused team. It was Steve Jobs who brought back focus and saved Apple from bankruptcy.

“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do, and this works for both companies and products,” he enlightens us.

Final thoughts
a man holding a sparkle

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Steve Jobs was one of the most significant technological minds, but he also left behind a legacy of decisive leadership and motivation for the world. With the lessons we’ve learned from him, we can continue to innovate and imagine as successfully as he did, one step at a time.

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How To Train Your Replacement

April 2021 marks my fifth year in the company that I have grown to love. As I explore other possibilities and leave my position as a directress vacant, it is my responsibility to train my replacement. I realized the importance of ensuring that someone else was able to do my job early on. I took the liberty to help my fellow directresses too.

It was not because I had brilliant foresight. Rather, it is due to the fact that I had an unpleasant experience during my turnover process. The person who was supposed to mentor me did not want to leave her post. Her bitterness was evident as she prolonged her exit. Nonetheless, I took it as an opportunity to learn from her. I did not want to make my replacement feel the same thing. Expanding the knowledge of others around you is necessary to keep the business moving forward.

Training your replacement does not have to be difficult or awkward. It just needs to be well-thought-out. Do you still remember the first time you picked up a task that was unfamiliar to you? The rollercoaster of emotions you felt on your first day as the boss is something that your apprentice will go through. You need to guide your replacement through methods or instructions on how to complete the tasks.

Start by providing a list of duties or a training manual. I, for one, have a copy of the Directress Training Manual. It is a comprehensive guide divided into several parts such as handling parents’ concerns. In addition to including the job description and important forms, you need to provide detailed instructions for each task. Allow the person to follow along and ask questions whenever necessary.

You read that right! You need to be prepared to answer questions and clarify instructions. Do not assume that your replacement will be able to absorb everything in a day. They will require both verbal instruction and hands-on experience. If he forgot a step during training, patiently remind him of what he missed.

Demonstrate how the duties are done. Watching you go through the steps will help the person feel the depth of your instructions. Make them feel comfortable by letting them seat down and write down notes. As long as you are still receiving paychecks from the company, you are part of the team.  Stay professional at all times.

Arrive on time and dress accordingly to the company’s policy. Do not make your replacement feel that you do not care because you are leaving soon. Instead, become a positive role model to him or her. Be prepared with today’s agenda and monitor the trainee. Lastly, introduce him to the people in your office.

Image credits: pixabay.com

Show where your supplies, restrooms, and documents are. Tour him in the office and introduce him to your co-workers. This simple gesture can mean a lot. Let your trainee know what you are expecting to achieve within the day and impart your knowledge on the workplace culture. These details will help him as he adjusts to the new position.

Best of luck!

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Present-day ways to reach out to HR managers

a woman listening to a man and taking notes

Let’s be honest. When you’re sending out your resume to recruiters, the odds are that your personal information itself looks similar to the countless ones that they’ve already read. They don’t care how badly you want the job or how paper-qualified you are.

Instead of merely trying to convince an HR manager why you’re perfect for the company, go above and beyond to grab their attention! You’re sure to make your job search more fulfilling and stand a higher chance to receive an invitation for an interview – both of which work in your favour.

Here are some of the best ideas you can use this year to reach out to a recruiter responsible for processing your application.

#1: Offer a useful solution

If you’re considering a specific role that you are knowledgeable about (which you should be!), you can try to add a few well-thought-through solutions to current industry problems in your application.

In this way, you show that you have done your due diligence. It’s also an opportunity to display your experience and passion for solving problems for the company and the value you can add to the team should you be presented with a job contract.

“When you help someone solve a problem, they’ll remember you positively for your effort and be more willing to help you out in the future,” says Jon Hill, CEO and chairman of an executive search firm.

#2: Gift your recruiter something appropriate
gift box with a pink ribbon

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You must be careful with this one! While sending flowers is rather strange, you can look at giving a practical gift or resource alongside your application.

For example, one can demonstrate their market research skills by sourcing a gift that resonates with the hiring manager. Just do a search on LinkedIn, and you will be able to start “stalking” on their posts, identify their likes and dislikes, and supplies you think they will find beneficial.

A little present that shows off both your skills and your gratitude at being considered can help make them remember you – which is precisely the reason why you’re reading this now.

Jeff Neal, an operations manager, shared that a candidate actually mailed his resume alongside a packet of fly-fishing lures after learning that Neal liked fly fishing. “I was very impressed and invited him in for an interview,” he commented.

#3: Create a portfolio webpage

Most people apply for jobs that they need rather than want. If you desperately want a position, you’ve got to make sure you have enough output to “brag” about.

Job seekers can consider building a portfolio webpage to store their achievements over the years. Make sure the information is up to date before you send a recruiter a link to your portfolio.

A webpage or website is better than attaching a portfolio in the email since your recruiter can easily forward the link via Slack or WhatsApp to anyone in the management team for immediate considerations.

Or one could also consider other content platforms they are comfortable using.

“We’ve received YouTube channel videos from online creators who work daily on their cars and have vast amounts of knowledge. We also receive resumes from bloggers who run their own car blogs, which shows they already understand the work we are doing here,” shared Michael Lowe, CEO of Car Passionate.

#4: Put yourself on camera
a woman speaking in front of a camera

Image Credits: TechSmith

Most of us don’t like being on camera. Still, having a video to accompany your application often helps recruiters see you with more interest and match a face to your name.

It also aids them to understand just how much you want the job, too, because emotions transfer better through facial expressions and body language.

“A candidate used this tactic to approach me last year. While they didn’t end up having the right technical skill set, the video caught my attention immediately and prompted me to set up a phone interview less than 48 hours later,” shared Biron Clark, founder of Career Sidekick.

Need we say more?

#5: Type an attractive subject line

This is one you may have heard before, and with a good reason! That’s because when you use an attractive subject line, it immediately tells recruiters what they need to know, their interest will be piqued, and it serves as a “clickbait”.

Take a look at these examples:

  • Email subject line A – “Applying for accounting position”
  • Email subject line B – “CPA with 10 years’ experience in technology would love to do your taxes”

Is sample A or B more attention-grabbing? If you’ve chosen the latter, then you ought to know that a witty or well-conceived subject line is vital for an HR manager to click in right away.

Final thoughts
a video interview

Image Credits: deakinco.com

Reaching out to recruiters will always feel a little stressy and nerve-racking.

But by relying on one or more of the ways shared above, you will increase your chances of getting your valuable resume read amongst the sea of job applications. And since that’s what it’s all about, aren’t these methods worth a try this year?

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Quit Sending These Job Interview Red Flags

The new year beams with career possibilities and job opportunities. As more and more stores have opened, many eager candidates have been given the chance to shine. These candidates bring their best behavior during job interviews. They give answers that the employer wants to hear and attempt to convince him that he or she is the right person for the job.

Knowing which interview red flags to watch out for can help you speed up the process of screening and hiring. You do not want to feel the costs of hiring badly, nor do you want to send the wrong message to an interviewer. Consider these tips.

#1: ARRIVING LATE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Tardiness demonstrates a lack of respect for people and their time. It is the hallmark of unsuccessful people. When a candidate arrives late, he or she gets flustered and apologetic. This type of person can keep meetings from starting, conduct customer visits following their schedules, and constantly say that they will be late for work.

With so many qualified candidates, why would an interviewer hire someone who is late? An employer must not hire someone who is late for the most important meeting of his or her career.

#2: LACK OF COMPANY KNOWLEDGE

Red flags are shinning when you show little to no knowledge about the company’s products or services, customers, and target audience. It is essential for a candidate to research on the company’s background as they prepare for the interview. Start by reading through the pages of the company’s website.

A candidate who has no knowledge about the company shows lack of preparation and interest about the prospective role. You may come across as someone who fits poorly within the company’s values and goals.

#3: LACK OF OWNERSHIP

Another red flag is a candidate who does not admit to any responsibility for his or her past mistakes. It is unpleasant if you blame your co-workers, bosses, and previous company for failed projects and more.

As an interviewer, you must listen carefully to the reasons why someone left his previous job. The right candidate will admit to errors, make thoughtful mistakes, and do their best to repair their problems.

#4: BRAGGING ABOUT OTHER OFFERS

If you want to convey that you are desirable, bragging about your other offers is not a good idea. Arrogance is not an attractive quality. However, mentioning about other offers may not always be a red flag. At the later stages of your job application, it is alright to be transparent when it comes to your other offers. You can say something like this:

Image Credits: pixabay.com

“I am very interested in the position you have offered me. Please let me know the timing and details for the next step, because I am also evaluating another offer.”

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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5 red flags it’s time to quit your job

quitting a job

While some of us have a career that makes us feel energised every single day, most of us are in a job that we fantasise about quitting. Whether it’s the early mornings, the stress level, or the over-commitment of time, there are often a few common reasons.

If you’re feeling at a loss on what to do, this article will share some red flags you need to ponder over. Maybe it’s about time you quit your job and say “yes” to a better work opportunity somewhere else?

#1: Spending all weekend dreading Monday

Most of us suffer Monday blues, but if you are dreading Monday morning so much that it leeches all of the fun out of your weekend, quitting should take a front position on your mind. A career that drains and has to have you give up a well-deserved weekend isn’t worth keeping.

#2: Having deep hatred for your job
a woman getting scolded by a coworker

Image Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Do you hate everything about your job – your boss, your employees and, even your work tasks? It’s time to quit. Plain and simple. Yes, we understand that most of us are working to bring food to the table. But consider your mental health if you want to keep your feet on the race track.

#3: Getting passed over for deserved promotions

Have you been putting in extra time and effort to better yourself on the job but keep getting passed over again and again for a promotion? This is a real reason for concern. 

Sure, it makes sense if the person who won the position is more qualified. However, if someone underqualified or entirely undeserving gets that promotion, maybe it’s time to pack up and go somewhere else where your skills are better valued.

#4: Feeling unappreciated and stagnant
unhappy female employee

Image Credits: Human Resource

Working with a management team who doesn’t appreciate your presence or contributions is dangerous for your overall sense of self-confidence. Simply put, you deserve to work at a place that takes you seriously.

Also, peeps who think they have stayed too long and become stagnant in their learning curve should rethink their position. A job is not all about money. It’s also about growth opportunities. It’s your chance to be a better administrator, consultant, or marketer (for example) than you were when you first started.

#5: Continually running on the work treadmill

From dawn to midnight and from Monday to Friday, work may constantly be plaguing you.  Maybe it’s the worry or stress over deadlines, or perhaps it could just be the general fear of it overhanging you.

But if it’s always on your mind, even on rest days, it’s probably time for a change. Folks who find themselves venting about it endlessly to their loved ones should also take this as a warning sign.

After all, work is just work and shouldn’t invade your personal life to such an unhealthy extent.

Final thoughts
resignation-letter-sample

Image Credits: Monster Jobs

Deciding to quit your job is often very challenging, indeed. It can be even scarier for those who’ve been with the company for long enough to feel too “okay” to move.

However, if you think about it, having a job that fulfils you and makes you feel treasured has a more prominent part to play in retaining you for the road ahead. Well, sleep on it and make the decision when you’re ready. 

An excellent way to get started is to begin browsing for job openings and sending resumes. When a suitable role presents itself, and you’re offered a contract, then you know it’s the right time to send in that long-awaited resignation email.

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