business management group assignment case study steve jobss leadership style and its influence on apple

This research is conducted with a viewpoint to find out how Steve Jobs got to be so successful and what his leadership style is.. Steve Jobs’ leadership style was autocratic.. His life s

Lecturer: Nguyen Thi Hong Tham

CASE STUDY: STEVE JOBS’S LEADERSHIP STYLEAND ITS INFLUENCE ON APPLE

Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh

- 11222570- 11220472

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAININGNATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY

-BUSINESS MANAGEMENTGROUP ASSIGNMENT

Lecturer: Nguyen Thi Hong Tham

CASE STUDY: STEVE JOBS’S LEADERSHIP STYLEAND ITS INFLUENCE ON APPLE

Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh

- 11222570- 11220472

CONTENT PARTSSTUDENTSID

ABSTRACT1 INTRODUCTION

4.7 Steve Jobs controversy as aleader

5 CONCLUSION

3 A SHORT ANALYSIS OFAPPLE

Nguyen Thi QuynhAnh

3 A SHORT ANALYSIS OF APPLE 9

3.1 Apple's Organizational Chart 9

3.2 Apple business strategy: Plans that turned it into a multi-trillion dollar company 11

3.3 Apple’s mission and vision statement 13

4 ANALYSIS OF STEVE JOBS’S LEADERSHIP STYLE 16

4.1 Background and Development 16

4.2 Personality traits 26

4.3 Steve Jobs’s leadership style 29

4.4 Impacts on Apple 30

4.5 Employees' perceptions of Steve Jobs' leadership style 31

4.6 Advantages and Disadvantages regarding Steve Job’s leadership style 33

4.7 Steve Jobs controversy as a leader 35

5 CONCLUSION 36

6 REFERENCES 37

This research is conducted with a viewpoint to find out how Steve Jobs got to be so successful and what his leadership style is Steve Jobs’ leadership style was autocratic He had a meticulous eye for detail and surrounded himself with like-minded people to follow his lead Apple Inc experienced a rapid phase of expansion and profitability under Job’s watch His creative awareness, his ‘meticulous eye for detail’, was clearly a driving force in Apple’s success In this article, we will explore the life and achievements of Steve Jobs, highlighting the lessons we can all learn from his leadership and innovative journey.

1 INTRODUCTION

In the world of technology and innovation, few names resonate as profoundlyas Steve Jobs The co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs was not just avisionary leader but also an icon of creativity, perseverance, andgroundbreaking technological advancements His life story serves as an endlesssource of inspiration for individuals striving to make a mark in the world oftechnology and beyond.

Diving into the mystique of Steve Jobs’ leadership style, we find ourselvesamidst a convergence of relentless passion and groundbreaking vision As thedriving force behind Apple’s meteoric rise, Jobs’ managerial philosophy fusedmeticulous attention to detail with a fervent pursuit of perfection.

For analyzing the leadership style, we have also tried our best to understand thedefinition of leadership, especially Steve Jobs’ leadership style - autocraticleadership and its characteristics Next, we will discuss his leadership style’seffects and innovation on Apple's organization.

After having understood this, we have provided a detailed analysis of SteveJobs’ story We have also in-depth analyzed the elements of how employeesthink about him and his controversy as a leader.

2 LEADERSHIP

2.1 The definition of leadership

One person might be a good manager but not a good leader Another might be a good leader without being a good manager Managers strive to produce order and stability, whereas leaders embrace and manage change Leadership is creating a vision for others to follow, establishing corporate values and ethics, and transforming the way the organization does business in order to improve its effectiveness and efficiency Good leaders motivate workers and create the environment for them to motivate themselves Management is carrying out the leader’s vision

Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and

guide followers or members of an organization, society or team Leadership often is an attribute tied to a person's title, seniority or ranking in a hierarchy However, it's an attribute anyone can have or attain, even those without leadership positions It's a developable skill that can be improved over time Leadership often associated with several aspects:

Leaders must therefore:

 Communicate a vision and rally others around that vision: The leader

should be openly sensitive to the concerns of followers, give them responsibility, and win their trust A successful leader must influence the actions of others Ellen Kullman took the reins at DuPont in the middle of acrisis Nonetheless, she set the tone for growth and prosperity in the future.

 Establish corporate values: These include concern for employees, for

customers, for the environment, and for the quality of the company’s products When companies set their business goals, they’re defining the company’s values as well The number one trait that others look for in a leader is honesty The second requirement is that the leader be forward looking

 Promote corporate ethics: Ethical behavior includes an unfailing demand

for honesty and an insistence that everyone in the company gets treated fairly (see the Making Ethical Decisions box) That’s why we stress ethical decision making throughout this text Many businesspeople have made the news by giving away huge amounts to charity, thus setting a model of social concern for their employees and others

 Embrace change: A leader’s most important job may be to transform the

way the company does business so that it’s more effective (does things better) and more efficient (uses fewer resources to accomplish the same objectives)

Stress accountability and responsibilit: If there is anything we have

learned from the failures of banking managers and other industry and government managers, it is that leaders need to be held accountable and need to feel responsible for their actions A keyword that has emerged from

the financial crisis is transparency.

Transparency is the presentation of a company’s facts and figures in a

way that is clear and apparent to all stakeholders.

All organizations need leaders, and all employees can help lead You don’t have to be a manager to perform a leadership function That is, any employee can motivate others to work well, add to a company’s ethical environment, and report ethical lapses when they occur.

In business, individuals who exhibit leadership traits can ascend to executive management or C-level positions, such as chief executive officer (CEO), chief information officer (CIO) and president Individuals who have exhibited strongleadership in the technology industry include Apple founder Steve Jobs, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

Overall, leadership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a wide range of

skills, traits, and behaviors Successful leaders cultivate a unique blend of these

qualities, adapting their approach to various situations and contexts while staying true to their core values and principles.

2.2 Autocratic leadership2.2.1 The definition

"Autocratic leadership", also known as autocratic or authoritarian leadership

means making managerial decisions without consulting others This style is effective in emergencies and when absolute followership is needed—for example, when fighting fires Autocratic leadership is also effective sometimes with new, relatively unskilled workers who need clear direction and guidance Former Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson used an autocratic leadership style to take the team to three consecutive National Basketball Association championships in his first three seasons By following his leadership, a group of highly skilled individuals became a winning team What kind of leadership do you see being used most successfully in basketball, football, and other areas?

2.2.2 Characteristics of Autocratic leadership

 The characteristics of autocratic leadership include:

 Communication Style: Autocratic leaders typically employ a one-way

communication style, where they dictate instructions and expectations to subordinates without engaging in dialogue or discussion Communication tends to be directive and hierarchical, with little room for open exchange ofideas or feedback.

 Rigid Policies and Procedures: Autocratic leaders often enforce rigid

policies and procedures to maintain control and order within the organization They may resist change and innovation that deviates from established norms, preferring to stick to traditional methods.

 Emphasis on Discipline and Compliance: Autocratic leaders prioritize

discipline and compliance among their subordinates, expecting strict adherence to rules and regulations They may use disciplinary measures or sanctions to enforce compliance and maintain order.

 Hierarchical Structure: Autocratic leadership is characterized by a

hierarchical structure, with a clear chain of command and a top-down approach to decision-making Subordinates are expected to follow orders from their superiors without question, reinforcing the leader's authority.

 Resistance to Feedback and Criticism: Autocratic leaders may be

resistant to receiving feedback or criticism from subordinates, viewing it asa challenge to their authority or competence They may dismiss or ignore feedback that does not align with their own perspectives or agenda.

 Micromanagement: Autocratic leaders may engage in micromanagement,

closely overseeing and controlling every aspect of their subordinates' work.This can lead to feelings of distrust and resentment among subordinates, as they may feel suffocated and undervalued.

 Limited Delegation: Autocratic leaders tend to limit delegation of

authority and decision-making responsibility to subordinates, preferring to retain control over key decisions themselves This can result in a heavy workload for the leader and limited opportunities for subordinates to develop their skills and expertise.

 Short-Term Focus: Autocratic leaders may prioritize short-term results

and immediate objectives over long-term strategic goals They may focus on achieving quick wins and meeting targets without considering the broader implications or sustainability of their actions.

 Dependency on the Leader's Expertise: Subordinates may rely heavily

on the leader's expertise and guidance, rather than developing their own problem-solving abilities or seeking alternative solutions This dependency can create a bottleneck in decision-making and hinder organizational agility.

 Risk of Burnout and Turnover: The rigid and controlling nature of

autocratic leadership can lead to burnout and high turnover rates among subordinates Employees may feel disempowered, unfulfilled, and undervalued, leading to decreased morale and job satisfaction.

 Some benefits of Autocratic Leadership

 Provides Direction

Autocratic leadership can be effective in groups lacking clear direction Have you experienced projects derailed by poor organization and leadership? In suchcases, a strong autocratic leader can step in, delegate tasks, and set solid deadlines, improving the chances of timely completion and equal contributions from all members.

 Relieves Pressure

This leadership style can also be used well in cases where a great deal of pressure is involved In situations that are particularly stressful, such as during military conflicts, group members may prefer an autocratic style Autocratic leadership allows members of the group to focus on performing specific tasks without worrying about making complex decisions This also allows group members to become highly skilled at performing certain duties, which is ultimately beneficial to the success of the entire group.

 Offers Structure

Manufacturing and construction work can also benefit from the autocratic style.In these situations, it is essential that each person have a clearly assigned task, adeadline, and rules to follow.

In summary, autocratic leadership is characterized by centralized control, limited autonomy for subordinates, and a hierarchical structure that prioritizes the leader's authority and directives While it may be effective in certain situations, such as in times of crisis or when quick decisions are needed, it can also lead to negative consequences such as stifled creativity, low morale, and high turnover.

3 A SHORT ANALYSIS OF APPLE

3.1 Apple's Organizational Chart

There are several varieties of organizational charts The organizational structure that Apple selects is known as the hierarchical and functional one It demonstrates how the business is structured, focusing on its areas of specialty rather than its assortment of goods The organizational chart of the Apple corporation provides a clear image of the hierarchical and functional structure.The original Apple organizational structure was developed by Steve Jobs, the company's founder, and the outgoing CEO in order to provide a targeted approach to his vision and original ideas Tim Cook became the Chief Executive Officer of Apple in 2011 He made certain modifications to the current organizational chart by dividing up the decision-making authority The goal of this amendment was to promote innovation and creativity on various fronts.

The product-based grouping from this company's most recent organizational structure is also visible It displays various divisions, with various vice presidents and upper management in each of them As you can see, the Senior Vice Presidents for the departments of Marketing, Engineering, Finance, Administration, and Operations are Mr Deirdre O'Brien, Mr Eddie Cue, Luca Maestri, and Sabih Khan They have strong corporate control thanks to their innovative strategy Below is the most recent Apple organizational chart.

Type and Characteristics of Apple's Organizational Structure

As previously mentioned, there are various kinds of organizational charts, and each has distinct qualities This section focuses on the kind of organizational chart that Apple uses and the attributes that this structure has.

The hierarchical organizational structure has been utilized by Apple It features a weak functional matrix and distinguishing features according to specific categories, such as iOS and macOS Divisional features designate the company's product-based categorization Conversely, a weak functional matrix is linked to inter-divisional collaboration.

The following are the top 4 features of Apple's organizational structure.1 Hierarchical Structure

There are about 132,000 full-time employees at Apple The hierarchical structure makes it very simple for management to carry out their duties It aids them in keeping strict control over the entire procedure In addition, wage increases and staff promotions motivate everyone to work hard for the expansion of the business.

Simultaneously, the corporation's hierarchical organizational structure might make it more difficult for the company to adapt to shifting global market conditions This characteristic's drawback is this Furthermore, in hierarchical companies as opposed to flat ones, departmental communication is less successful.

2 Grouping Based on Products

The following list of five groups that the Apple firm has formed is based on theproducts and services that it offers.

4.Services like Apple Music, ApplePlay, App Store, and iCloud

5.A number of other products, including iWatch, storage devices, headphones, Apple TV, displays, and other computing and connectivity items.

3 Collaboration

Apple has created a robust framework to sustain efficient communication and cooperation across various departments and groups inside the organization, with the goal of boosting productivity and guaranteeing better growth for the business The board of directors have shown expertise in spearheading leadership roles across several industries Their firsthand knowledge steers the business.

You may argue that the recent fall in sales of Mac products, iPads, and iPhonesindicates a need for fine tuning or modifications to the Apple organizational structure The corporation would undoubtedly be extremely concerned about it.

4 Functionality

The management of Apple is able to introduce new products that demand significant investment without having to concentrate on short-term financial targets thanks to the company's functional organization They are able to accomplish greater things because of this It's interesting to note that bonuses for seasoned R&D executives are determined by the company's overall performance rather than the success of a particular product they have created.

3.2 Apple business strategy: Plans that turned it into a multi-trillion dollar company

This strategy dissection gathers the concepts, breakthroughs, technology studies, collaborations, and, most significantly, the tactics that propelled Appleto such great heights of success.

Apple became the first firm in history to reach a $3 trillion market capitalization on Friday, June 30, 2023 It continues to lead Microsoft, the second-most valuable firm on the planet, by half a trillion dollars As of right now, Apple is the world's most profitable technological company

On April 1st, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne launched Apple, bringing creativity to the table with their version of the personal computer One of the most well-known and recognizable brands in the world is Apple The company's sales increase from just $8 billion in 2004 to over $274 billion last year has been unprecedented In comparison to other modern tech behemoths like Google ($181B) and Microsoft ($143B), this is more.Apple's business strategy is largely responsible for its growth Through a combination of its design skills, hardware knowledge, software experience, andastute acquisitions, the business has created an ecosystem that users are reluctant to leave

Apple’s business strategy consists of the following four elements:

 Focus on product design and functionality

 Strengthening Apple’s ecosystem

 Improving consumer service experience

 Reducing the business’s reliance on iPhone sales

Apple Inc offers the following product and service categories: wearables, home and accessories, Mac, iPad, iPhone, FaceTime, Apple Maps, and more.This study examines Apple's business strategy to provide you with some fundamental knowledge that you may use in your own or any other type of organization Therefore, simply fill out the form below and we'll send the complete analysis straight to your mailbox if you'd like to download it in PDF format for later reading (or sharing with your friends).

What does Apple’s Financial Growth look like?Revenue of the Last 5 Years (in $ Billion)

In fiscal year 2022, Apple brought in $394.32 billion, an increase of 8% over the previous year Though not as striking as the 33% increase between 2020 and 2021, it's still a solid trend The revenue for Apple's most significant business lines over the previous five years is broken down here.

Revenue from iPhone sales increased by 7% in 2021 and by almost 40% in 2020 for Apple In 2021–2022, Mac sales as well as services like Apple Music and Apple TV increased by about 14% on an annual basis.

iPhone sales accounted for an astounding 52% of the company's overall income between September 2021 and September 2022! The following three-year revenue breakdown has further information.

What does Apple’s R&D investment strategy look like?

The internet behemoth has made significant investments in R&D, guaranteeing a rise in revenue We saw that Apple keeps raising its R&D spending every year; by 2022, it will have

spent $26.2 billion, up $4billion from the previousyear.

How much has Appleinvested in R&D in thePast 3 Years (in $ Billion)?

Apple is primarily focusedon wearables, fitness, andhealth improvements,according to multiple patentsfiled in 2020 Severalwearable patents suggested

that the business would focus on machine learning research to enable autonomous driving, Apple Watch UV tracking, motion identification for AR/VR applications, AirPods with biometric sensors, and integration of severalexisting gadgets with a vehicle.

They introduced numerous notable goods in 2021 AirTag was arguably the most disruptive Apple sold 20 million item trackers in just eight months after they were released, demonstrating how quickly these trackers gained popularity! According to estimates, Apple is expected to sell 55 million AirTags by year's end.

They added the Apple Watch Ultra to their lineup in 2022 Their flagship wearable boasts a number of premium features, including a dual-frequency GPS technology, a titanium construction, and a display that is twice as bright This model propelled the Apple Watch, which in 2022 accounted for 34.1% of all smartwatch shipments and 60% of market revenue worldwide.

3.3 Apple’s mission and vision statement

Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak started Apple in April 1976 This international tech firm is based in the United States and designs, develops,manufactures, and markets personal computers, consumer electronics, and software, among other related products and services According to reports, Apple is one of the most successful tech businesses in the world Apple's success can be attributed to its purpose, vision statements, and fundamental values in addition to its excellent marketing approach.

Knowing these three organizational components can help you better understandhow a company works toward both short- and long-term objectives Usually, the mission statement emphasizes the company's goals and how to reach them In the meanwhile, the vision focuses on how a business views its brand over the long haul Understanding a company's goal and vision is essential to understanding how it views the future.

Each organization formulates its goal, vision, and fundamental values in a different way But it can be helpful to see how industry titans like Apple make theirs It can act as a manual for new businesses looking to construct these three components within an organization.

Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world, as stated in its visionand mission statements, which outline the company's global market strategies and objectives In order to gain a competitive edge over companies in the information technology and consumer electronics sectors, such as Samsung, Google (Alphabet), Microsoft, and Sony, as well as companies that rival Apple TV Plus with video-streaming services, like Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and

Facebook (Meta), the company's corporate mission and vision statements encourage employees to support and contribute to innovation Apple's objectives and the way its purpose and vision are carried out are also influenced by the business practices of other tech giants such as IBM and Intel From Steve Jobs's leadership to Tim Cook's current one, Apple has modified itscorporate vision and purpose statements throughout time to match internal developments The company's attempts to take advantage of the current commercial prospects in semiconductors, consumer electronics, cloud computing, digital content distribution services, and computer technology are reflected in the purpose and vision statements

Apple's vision and goal are related in that they both prioritize steady expansion in the face of market obstacles The corporate mission and corporate vision of the technology business represent the range of strategic approaches applicable to the various industries in which it works Apple's Five Forces research revealsfierce competition The company's strategic mission statement implementation takes into account this competitive component of the IT market Additionally, the company's vision statement focuses business initiatives on rivalry in the direction of a future in which it leads the worldwide market for online services and information technology.

3.3.1 Apple’s Mission Statement

Apple’s mission is “to create technology that empowers people and enriches

their lives.” This corporate purpose statement, which discusses the interface

between people and technology, serves as the foundation for the company's business procedures The elements of Apple's mission statement are as follows:

1 Creating technology2 Empowering people3 Enriching lives

According to Apple's mission statement, technology is the intended commercialoutcome The company's goal in developing new products is to introduce technical products and services, like internet services and cellphones Because of this, Apple's aggressive growth plans and general competitive strategy focus on utilizing cutting-edge technologies to compete in the market The company'sefforts to create and improve its own systems on a chip, like the M3 series, are clear examples of this strategic goal.

Apple's initiatives take other tech companies into account in order to fulfill the technology-focused portion of its corporate mission statement Many tech companies don't have direct rivals Nonetheless, corporate success, market and industry dynamics, and Apple's mission statement fulfillment are all impacted by these companies' strategic goals.

The company's mission statement also directs Apple's objectives, which include empowering product users The elements of enrichment and empowerment take into account market trends, like changes in the desire for superior digital services These trends, which were covered in the

PESTEL/PESTLE study of Apple, have an impact on the kind of technology products that the business offers in order to carry out its corporate objective.

3.3.2 Apple’s Vision Statement

Apple’s vision is “to make the best products on earth, and to leave the world

better than we found it.” The technological company's net advantages and

excellence are included in its corporate vision statement These elements make up Apple's vision statement:

1 Making the best products2 The world as the target market3 Leaving the world better

Apple must link its strategic objectives with the business purpose of achieving excellence in order to fulfill the vision statement's emphasis on "the best products." The company that makes iPhones has the infrastructure, manpower, and skills necessary to produce the best products For instance, Apple's operations management adheres to strict guidelines for efficiency and productivity thanks to this corporate vision statement To safeguard the company against rivals who are also consistently improving their own organizations and information technology, the various departments or divisionsof the company must constantly innovate Applications for iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS are subject to the same exacting quality standards.

In this corporate vision, the word "earth" refers to the company's strategic aims and ambitions, which include excellence in globally competitive industries like consumer electronics Consequently, in keeping with the global presence of Apple stores, Apple's marketing mix (4Ps) and strategy target the global marketfor consumer electronics and internet services This global reach suggests that the corporation creates its products, such laptops and smartphones, to meet the various needs of consumers around the globe.

Additionally, Apple's vision statement directs operations to "leave the world better," which suggests meeting the needs of the company's stakeholders The company's goal in terms of stakeholder management is to employ information technology and related services to provide a net benefit for everyone on the planet As a result, Apple's CSR, ESG, and corporate citizenship initiatives are influenced by this vision statement, which aims to reduce environmental effect and provide answers for global issues Other business facets also align with the values and objectives stated in this corporate vision, such as Apple's

organizational culture (business culture) and its impact on human resource capabilities.

4 ANALYSIS OF STEVE JOBS’S LEADERSHIP STYLE

4.1 Background and Development

Full name: Steve Paul JobsDate of birth: February 24th, 1955

Steve Jobs, known for his roles as a computer designer, executive, and innovator, served as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals in both their professional and personal endeavors As a co-founder of Apple Computers and former chairman of Pixar Animation Studios, he left an indelible mark on the computer and animation industries, accumulating a fortune estimated at $10.2 billion by the time of his passing Additionally, he played a pivotal role as the executive producer of the groundbreaking film Toy Story (1995) Tragically, Jobs succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 56 on October 5, 2011, in Palo Alto, California, following an eight-year battle with the disease.

Born in San Francisco in 1955 and adopted shortly thereafter, Jobs embarked on a journey of self-discovery, briefly attending Reed College in 1972 before withdrawing His quest led him to India in 1974 in pursuit of enlightenment, followed by a deep dive into Zen Buddhism Teaming up with Wozniak, he co-founded Apple in 1976, catalyzing the evolution of personal computing Their partnership bore fruit with the groundbreaking Apple II in 1977, propelling them to both fame and fortune Recognizing the potential of the Xerox Alto in 1979, Jobs spearheaded the development of the Apple Lisa in 1983, paving the way for the revolutionary Macintosh in 1984 This iconic machine not only boasted a graphical user interface but also ushered in the era of desktop publishing through the introduction of the Apple LaserWriter in 1985.After a tumultuous power struggle with Apple's board and CEO John Sculley in 1985, Jobs parted ways with the company In the same year, he founded NeXT, a company focused on computer platform development for educational and business markets, where he assumed the role of CEO Additionally, in 1986, Jobs made significant contributions to the visual effects industry by financing the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm, which later evolved into Pixar Pixar went on to create groundbreaking works like Toy Story (1995), the first-ever 3D computer-animated feature film, establishing itself as a premier animation studio with a portfolio spanning over 27 films.

Returning to Apple as CEO in 1997 following its acquisition of NeXT, Jobs orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the company, which was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy Collaborating closely with design maven Jony Ive, Jobs spearheaded the creation of a transformative lineup of products and services that left an indelible mark on culture This journey began with the iconic "Think Different" advertising campaign and culminated in

groundbreaking innovations such as the iMac, iTunes, Mac OS X, Apple Store,iPod, iTunes Store, iPhone, App Store, and iPad Despite being diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in 2003, Jobs continued to lead Apple until his passing in 2011 due to respiratory arrest associated with the illness His profound impact on technology and society was further recognized posthumously in 2022 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In his younger years, Jobs attended a Lutheran church with his parents During high school, Clara, his adoptive mother, confided in his girlfriend, Chrisann Brennan, revealing her initial fears and struggles with motherhood Despite this, Steve later acknowledged feeling deeply loved and cherished by Clara andhis adoptive father, Paul Even years later, Jobs emphasized his profound gratitude for them, rejecting any notion of them being his "adoptive parents" and instead embracing them as his true parents He maintained a pragmatic view of his biological parents, referring to them simply as his "sperm and egg bank," acknowledging their role without sentimental attachment.

Jobs struggled in traditional classrooms, often challenging authority and misbehaving, leading to occasional suspensions Despite early signs of brilliance, his disruptive behavior continued into elementary school, where he wreaked havoc and played pranks on classmates at Monta Loma Elementary in Mountain View Remarkably, his father, Paul, refrained from reprimanding him, instead blaming the school for failing to engage his son's intellect However, Jobs credited his transformation to his fourth-grade teacher, Imogene"Teddy" Hill, who ignited his passion for learning through innovative teaching methods Despite recommendations to skip grades, Jobs's parents wisely insisted he continue his education at a regular pace Transitioning to CrittendenMiddle School, Jobs faced social challenges and bullying, prompting him to issue an ultimatum to his parents: either leave Crittenden or he would drop out altogether.

The Jobs family faced financial constraints, with their savings depleted to purchase a new home on Crist Drive in Los Altos, California, in 1967 This relocation enabled Steve to attend a school in the esteemed Cupertino School District, known for its strong focus on engineering education Situated in an area densely populated with engineering families, the new house became an

integral part of Steve's upbringing Remarkably, this humble abode gained historical significance as the inaugural location of Apple Computer, earning it recognition as a historic site in 2013 Ownership of the house transferred to Steve's sister, Patty, with his stepmother, Marilyn, residing there as of 2013.At the age of 13 in 1968, Jobs displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by cold-calling Bill Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, seeking parts for an electronics project Impressed by Jobs's initiative, Hewlett not only provided the requested parts but also offered him a summer job This early experience not only nurtured Jobs's passion for technology but also laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the tech industry.

Reed College

In September 1972, Jobs embarked on his college journey at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, despite its hefty tuition fees, which posed a financial challenge for his parents, Paul and Clara Demonstrating his strong will, Jobs insisted on applying solely to Reed, drawn to its academic reputation and unique culture During his time at Reed, Jobs forged a significant friendship with Robert Friedland, who held the position of student body president Despitebeing physically distant, Jobs maintained a connection with Chrisann Brennan, reflecting his enduring relationships amidst his pursuit of higher education.After completing just one semester, Jobs made the bold decision to drop out of Reed College without informing his parents He justified this action by expressing his reluctance to squander their hard-earned money on an education he deemed meaningless Despite discontinuing formal enrollment, Jobs continued to attend classes unofficially, opting to audit courses instead Notably, he enrolled in a calligraphy class instructed by Robert Palladino, an experience that would later significantly influence his design philosophy Reflecting on this period during a 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, Jobs candidly shared the challenges he faced, including sleeping onfriends' dorm room floors, relying on returning Coke bottles for food money, and receiving weekly meals from a local Hare Krishna temple In a poignant revelation, Jobs underscored the profound impact of his calligraphy course, emphasizing how it laid the groundwork for the diverse fonts and typographicalinnovations later integrated into the Macintosh computer.

Phase 1974 - 1985Pre - Apple

In February 1974, Jobs returned to his family's residence in Los Altos and embarked on a job hunt His efforts quickly bore fruit when he secured a position as a computer technician at Atari, Inc located in Los Gatos, California Notably, in 1973, Jobs received from Steve Wozniak a personally