Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., once famously said, "We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do." This statement reflects Jobs' belief in the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.

By hiring smart people, Jobs recognized that he could tap into their expertise and knowledge to drive the company forward. These individuals possess unique skills, experiences, and insights that can help identify new opportunities, solve complex problems, and push the boundaries of technology.

One example of Jobs' commitment to hiring smart people is the recruitment of Jony Ive, the renowned industrial designer. Ive played a crucial role in shaping the iconic designs of Apple products, including the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. His ability to think differently and his meticulous attention to detail greatly contributed to Apple's success.

Another example is the hiring of Tim Cook, who eventually succeeded Jobs as Apple's CEO. Cook's operational expertise and supply chain management skills were instrumental in streamlining Apple's production processes and ensuring the timely delivery of products to customers worldwide.

Imagine you're running a company or working on a project. You might be really good at certain things, but no one can be an expert in everything. That's where the idea of hiring smart people comes in.

When you hire smart and capable individuals, you're essentially assembling a team with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. Each person brings their unique expertise to the table. They might be better than you in certain areas, and that's a good thing!

Now, the magic happens when you encourage these smart individuals to express their ideas, share their knowledge, and contribute their insights. You're not just hiring them to follow your every instruction, but rather to collaborate and offer their expertise. In this way, you can collectively make better decisions, solve complex problems, and innovate more effectively.

Steve Jobs' quote emphasizes that successful leaders understand the value of empowering their team members to take the initiative, share their wisdom, and guide the organization or project toward success. It's about recognizing that you don't have to know everything yourself; instead, you surround yourself with intelligent people who can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise.

In summary, this quote underscores the importance of teamwork, humility, and collaboration in achieving success. It's a reminder that leadership isn't about dictating every move but rather about leveraging the collective intelligence of your team to make better decisions and achieve remarkable results.

References:

1. Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
2. Kahney, L. (2008). Inside Steve's Brain. Portfolio.

Overall, Steve Jobs' quote emphasizes the importance of hiring smart people who can contribute their unique talents and ideas. By doing so, organizations can create a dynamic and forward-thinking culture that drives innovation and success.