Portrait of an Emotional Leader: Steve Jobs, Redefining Apple

Published 26 Aug 2013
Reference 6010
Topic Strategy
Region North America
Length 13 page(s)
Language English
Summary

This case allows a rich and nuanced discussion of the various leadership dimensions of Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computers, who was widely regarded as a visionary leader but could be harsh with people working around him. The case raises the strategic question of profit sustainability and organizational resilience. Could Apple thrive as a creative company without Jobs? Was Jobs an emotionally intelligent leader? (why/why not) Was Jobs a good leader?

Teaching objectives

This case allows a rich and nuanced discussion of the various leadership dimensions of Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computers, who was widely regarded as a visionary leader but could be harsh with people working around him. The case raises the strategic question of profit sustainability and organizational resilience. Could Apple thrive as a creative company without Jobs? Was Jobs an emotionally intelligent leader? (why/why not) Was Jobs a good leader? The case enables students to evaluate his leadership competence by using different theories of leadership.

Keywords
  • Q41213
  • leadership
  • emotional intelligence
  • emotion
  • strategy
  • general management
  • technology
  • social media
  • computer