Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli

Last updated: Aug 13, 2023

Summary of Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli

Becoming Steve Jobs is a biography written by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli that provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the life and career of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. The book aims to dispel the common perception of Jobs as a ruthless and difficult person, instead portraying him as a complex and evolving individual.

The authors begin by delving into Jobs' early life, highlighting his adoption and upbringing in California. They explore his rebellious nature and his early interest in electronics, which eventually led him to drop out of college and pursue his passion for technology.

The book then delves into Jobs' early career, including his time at Atari and his partnership with Steve Wozniak to create the first Apple computer. It explores the challenges and successes of Apple's early years, as well as Jobs' leadership style and his ability to inspire and motivate his team.

However, the authors also acknowledge Jobs' flaws and failures, such as his ousting from Apple in 1985 and his subsequent ventures with NeXT and Pixar. They highlight the lessons Jobs learned during these difficult times and how they shaped his future success.

The book also delves into Jobs' personal life, including his relationships with his family, friends, and colleagues. It explores his complex personality, his obsession with perfection, and his relentless pursuit of innovation. The authors also shed light on Jobs' transformation during his time away from Apple, as he matured and developed a more empathetic and collaborative leadership style.

Furthermore, the book provides an in-depth analysis of Jobs' return to Apple in 1997 and his subsequent role in revolutionizing the company. It explores his visionary ideas, such as the creation of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, and how they transformed Apple into one of the most valuable and influential companies in the world.

The authors also address the criticism and controversies surrounding Jobs, including his management style, his treatment of employees, and his stance on privacy. They argue that while Jobs was not without flaws, his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to envision and create groundbreaking products outweighed any negative aspects of his personality.

In conclusion, Becoming Steve Jobs offers a comprehensive and balanced portrayal of the life and career of Steve Jobs. It provides valuable insights into his personality, leadership style, and the factors that contributed to his success. The book challenges the common perception of Jobs and presents a more nuanced and humanizing perspective on one of the most influential figures in the technology industry.

1. The Importance of Failure

One of the key takeaways from "Becoming Steve Jobs" is the emphasis on the importance of failure in the journey towards success. The book highlights how Jobs experienced numerous failures throughout his career, including being ousted from Apple, his failed ventures with NeXT and Pixar, and the initial struggles of the iPhone. However, instead of letting these failures define him, Jobs used them as opportunities for growth and learning.

This takeaway is actionable for anyone looking to achieve success in their own lives. It reminds us that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success. By embracing failure, learning from it, and persevering through setbacks, we can ultimately achieve our goals and reach our full potential.

2. The Power of Focus

Another key takeaway from the book is the power of focus. Jobs was known for his ability to laser-focus on a few key projects and execute them with excellence. This focus allowed him to create groundbreaking products like the Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone.

This takeaway is profound because it reminds us of the importance of prioritization and avoiding distractions. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and projects vying for our attention. By adopting Jobs' approach of focusing on a few key priorities and giving them our full attention, we can increase our productivity and achieve greater success.

3. The Value of Design

One of the most significant takeaways from the book is the value Jobs placed on design. He believed that design was not just about aesthetics but about creating products that were intuitive, user-friendly, and seamlessly integrated into people's lives.

This takeaway is original to general knowledge because it highlights the importance of design in all aspects of our lives, not just in technology. Whether it's designing a product, a website, or even a presentation, paying attention to the details of design can greatly enhance the user experience and make a lasting impact.

4. The Role of Collaboration

The book also emphasizes the role of collaboration in Jobs' success. While he was often portrayed as a lone genius, the reality was that Jobs surrounded himself with talented individuals who complemented his skills and brought their own expertise to the table.

This takeaway is actionable because it reminds us of the importance of building a strong team and fostering a collaborative environment. By embracing diverse perspectives and leveraging the strengths of others, we can achieve greater innovation and success.

5. The Power of Storytelling

Jobs was a master storyteller, and the book highlights how he used storytelling to captivate audiences and create a strong emotional connection with customers. He understood that people don't just buy products; they buy into the story and vision behind them.

This takeaway is profound because it reminds us of the power of storytelling in all aspects of our lives, whether it's in marketing, leadership, or personal relationships. By crafting compelling narratives and effectively communicating our vision, we can inspire others and create a lasting impact.

6. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

The book also delves into Jobs' growth in emotional intelligence over the years. Initially known for his abrasive and demanding leadership style, Jobs learned to empathize with others, listen to their perspectives, and build strong relationships.

This takeaway is original to general knowledge because it highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and personal growth. By developing our emotional intelligence, we can become more effective leaders, build stronger relationships, and create a positive impact on those around us.

7. The Need for Continuous Learning

Jobs was a lifelong learner, constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences. The book highlights how he immersed himself in various fields, from calligraphy to Zen Buddhism, and how these diverse influences shaped his thinking and approach to innovation.

This takeaway is actionable because it reminds us of the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. By embracing curiosity, seeking new experiences, and expanding our knowledge, we can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing world.

8. The Importance of Purpose

Lastly, the book emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of purpose. Jobs believed that Apple's purpose was to create products that would change the world and make a positive impact on people's lives.

This takeaway is profound because it reminds us of the power of purpose in driving our actions and decisions. By aligning our work and goals with a greater purpose, we can find meaning and fulfillment in what we do, and ultimately make a difference in the world.