Steve Jobs: Leaders' difficult choice is to improve employees
Steve Jobs emphasized that a leader's job isn't to be easy, but to improve employees. This requires having difficult conversations and removing obstacles.
One of the most challenging tasks for true leaders involves engaging in difficult conversations with employees, a practice many managers tend to avoid, according to Steve Jobs.
Jobs stated in a 2008 interview that his job was not to be easy on people, but to make them better. This perspective remains relevant despite a modern workplace characterized by constant change, AI development, and the rise of remote work.
Effective leaders not only demand excellent work but also ensure employees have the necessary information, authority, time, and tools to achieve their goals. Before evaluating performance, a leader should confirm that expectations are clear, the purpose is understood, and resources are adequate.
Providing feedback must be constructive and specific. A general directive to "step it up" is insufficient. Feedback should describe behavior, explain its impact, and define what better performance looks like. Leaders are also responsible for removing obstacles and offering support to help employees grow and develop.