Level 5 Legacy?

The Steve Jobs Debate

September 3, 2020 by Justin Morante

Countless hours have been spent dissecting Steve Jobs, his thought process, his flaws, and his leadership style. Many have debated whether he was a hero or a villain, but it is hard to deny his effectiveness. After being forced to leave Apple in 1985, Apple descended into a 12 year decline. When Jobs returned in the late-nineties, he took what many described as a "dying" company, and transformed it into one of the biggest and most influential tech companies in the world.

What is a Level 5 Leader?

There is a telling interview of Jobs in 1995 (prior to his return to Apple), in which he candidly gives his thoughts on leadership, innovation, and the process of creating products that ultimately benefit the culture. While watching the interview, it is hard not to think of the Level 5 leadership theory, which was not even put forth until 2001. The theory states that Level 5 leaders are among the most effective in existence, but they are extremely rare. Their makeup is paradoxical in nature, consisting of both an intense professional will, and a profound sense of humility.

Eyebrows may raise when you discuss Steve Jobs and Level 5 leadership in the same sentence. Certainly he had the determination and the fortitude, but even many of his closest confidants would suggest that he did not seem to treat his colleagues with a great deal of humility and respect. However, in addition to the 1995 interview, there is evidence to suggest that he greatly valued his product creation teams, and that he wasn't afraid to admit when he was wrong, so long as the final product improved. Indeed, Jobs seems to be someone who valued the quality of the work and the success of the company over money, fame, or other forms of individual success. This too is a rare trait that belongs to Level 5 leaders. While his motivations can, and have been debated for several years now, there is no question that there was something unique, and in many ways, irreplaceable about Jobs. For a deeper discussion on this topic, check out episode 9 of The While Loop entitled, "Are you a Level 5 Leader? Well then, read about the TikTok ban on your new iMac."