In weak companies, politics win. In strong companies, best ideas do

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“In weak companies, politics win. In strong companies,
best ideas do.”

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was a visionary, a relentless dreamer who saw the world for what it could be. Born in 1955, he always pushed boundaries, challenging what was possible and inspiring those around him to think bigger. From Apple’s start in a garage with Steve Wozniak, Jobs believed that technology should serve people, making life simpler and richer. He wasn’t interested in making just another product; he wanted to create things that truly mattered. Jobs's commitment to quality, simplicity, and innovation would go on to make him one of the most influential figures in modern history.

At the heart of Jobs's approach was a simple but powerful belief: “In weak companies, politics win. In strong companies, best ideas do.” This quote wasn’t just a phrase he used; it was the principle that shaped how he led Apple.

For Jobs, a great company couldn’t be built on titles or internal politics. It had to be built on ideas. He saw that when politics take over, creativity suffers, and people hold back from sharing bold ideas. But in a culture that values ideas first, people feel free to create, take risks, and bring their best work forward. Jobs built Apple on this belief, and it became the key to its success.

When Jobs left Apple in 1985, the company lost its direction. Products were scattered, and internal conflicts held back innovation. By the mid-1990s, Apple was struggling both financially and creatively. It was clear that without Jobs's leadership, Apple’s focus on the best ideas had slipped.

In 1997, Jobs returned to Apple. Under his return, Apple began to transform. The iMac was released in 1998, with its colorful, sleek design and user-friendly interface, signaling Apple’s comeback.

But Jobs didn’t stop there. In 2001, he introduced the iPod, a portable music player that changed how people listened to music. For the first time, people could carry thousands of songs in their pockets. It was the start of a digital music revolution and a turning point for Apple.

In 2007, Apple launched the iPhone, a product that combined a phone, music player, and internet access in one device. The iPhone redefined what a smartphone could be, changing how people communicated, accessed information, and connected to the world. The iPhone’s impact wasn’t just in its design, it was the result of a culture that put the best ideas first.

Jobs encouraged his teams to focus on simplicity and user experience, delivering a device that didn’t just meet expectations but exceeded them.

Apple’s focus on quality also led to the creation of other iconic products, like the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini. The MacBook Air, with its slim, lightweight design, set the standard for portable computing, while the MacBook Pro became a go-to for creatives and professionals. The Mac Mini offered a compact, affordable option, bringing Apple’s innovation to a wider audience. Each of these products carried Jobs's commitment to pushing limits and focusing on what truly mattered.

But Jobs's approach extended beyond hardware related products. He saw the potential in digital media and led Apple into new areas with products like Apple TV and Apple Music.

Even after Jobs's passing in 2011, his vision remained alive.

Today, Apple stands as a testament to his belief that when companies prioritize innovation and respect for ideas, they can achieve what once seemed impossible. Jobs's legacy is one that continues to shape Apple and inspire the world.

Ideas Trading Center (ITC) is an American company bringing to market a patent-pending, easy-to-use, platform that allows idea generators to sell their new, non-obvious, and useful ideas directly and confidentially to idea reviewers and/or buyers (www.IdeasTradingCenter.com).