Apparently Stuck, Secretary Fails to Show Up on Time: Steve Jobs Lends a Helping Hand by Providing a Spontaneous Brand New Jaguar for Car Troubles
In the halls of Apple Inc., stories of Steve Jobs' leadership style are legendary. One such tale, shared by Ron Givens, Apple's director of quality from 1981 to 1986, involves a brand-new Jaguar and a secretary who was often late due to car troubles [1][3][5].
Jobs, known for his strictness about punctuality, didn't reprimand his secretary for her lateness. Instead, he provided a creative solution to ensure she would be on time in the future. When her car failed to start one day, he handed her the keys to a shiny Jaguar, saying, "Here, never be late again" [1][5].
This gesture took staff and colleagues by surprise, as Jobs was famously strict about punctuality. But rather than reprimanding or firing the secretary, Jobs listened to her explanation and addressed the root cause of the problem directly [1][5]. He recognized that personal obstacles could hinder professional performance and took practical steps to remove those barriers [5].
A Glimpse into Jobs' Leadership Style
This incident offers a unique insight into Jobs' leadership style. Despite his reputation for toughness, he showed empathy for personal circumstances and provided tangible support [1][5]. His approach aimed to empower employees by removing distractions and obstacles, not just to enforce discipline [5].
The Jaguar story highlights Jobs’ willingness to think outside the box and use unconventional methods to achieve results, rather than sticking rigidly to formal policies [3][5]. By addressing the root cause of the secretary’s lateness, he motivated her—and, by example, the team—to focus on excellence.
Jobs was deeply invested in his teams' ability to thrive, often inviting open dialogue and encouraging staff to share their challenges and ideas [5]. His leadership was not just about demanding results, but about enabling employees to deliver their best work by removing barriers—whether those were logistical, personal, or professional [5].
Leadership Lessons from Jobs' Jaguar Gift
Jobs' leadership was built around problem-solving, addressing both technical and personal issues. His gift of the Jaguar was a personal and unconventional solution to a practical problem, demonstrating his ability to surprise with thoughtful solutions [5].
The Jaguar car, which cost around $35,000 in the 1980s (equivalent to approximately $123,000 today), was a tool to help his secretary manage her time better [5]. This moment encapsulates how Jobs combined high expectations with a commitment to supporting his team, blending strict standards with compassion and creative solutions [5].
Jobs' leadership style was characterized by a balance of intimidation and motivation. He once gifted Ron Givens a $1,000 Steuben-glass apple with no explanation, another unexpected act of generosity [5].
In conclusion, the story of Steve Jobs' Jaguar gift underscores a paradox in his leadership: combining strictness with thoughtful, unusual solutions. It's not just about a CEO being generous, but about solving problems in a practical yet unexpected manner. This approach, which emphasizes empathy, practical support, creative problem-solving, empowerment, and personal engagement, offers valuable lessons for leaders today.
- Steve Jobs' provision of a Jaguar car to his secretary who was often late due to car problems reflects his leadership style, as he demonstrated empathy for personal circumstances and provided tangible support to remove distractions and obstacles, not just to enforce discipline.
- Jobs' gift of the Jaguar car was a testament to his ability to think outside the box and use unconventional methods to achieve results, blending high expectations with a commitment to supporting his team by addressing both technical and personal issues.
- The Jaguar story illustrates that Jobs' leadership style was built around problem-solving, showing his capacity for surprising others with thoughtful solutions, and combining strict standards with compassion and practical support, which provides valuable insights for current leaders.
