The Leadership Lesson That Changed Steve Jobs Forever
In 1985, Steve Jobs, the visionary who co-founded Apple, was fired from his own company. He was young, brilliant, and ambitious—but his leadership was flawed.
He was known for his relentless perfectionism, but also for his stubbornness, ego, and refusal to listen. His own executives turned against him.
For many, this would have been the end of their career. But Jobs’ comeback story is proof that great leaders aren’t just made by success—they’re shaped by failure, reflection, and growth.
More than a decade later, he returned to Apple, not just as a better innovator, but as a better leader. And what changed the most?
Humility.
Jobs learned that leadership wasn’t about having all the answers—it was about surrounding himself with the right people, listening, and adapting.
This realization aligns perfectly with McKinsey & Company’s groundbreaking research on top-performing CEOs, which found that 12 essential traits define great leadership—and at the foundation of them all? Humility.
The 12 Essential Leadership Traits: Insights from McKinsey & Company
Recently, I attended a McKinsey Leadership Academy webinar as an alumnus of the Management Accelerator program. The session explored findings from The Journey of Leadership, a book by Hans-Werner Kaas and Ramesh Srinivasan, senior partners at McKinsey & Company.
Their research studied hundreds of high-performing CEOs from the world’s largest corporations to uncover the 12 essential leadership traits that define exceptional leaders.
These traits fall into two categories:
- Internal Traits – The qualities that leaders cultivate within themselves.
- External Traits – How leaders inspire and guide others.
Let’s explore these leadership principles—and how we can apply them in our own journeys.
Internal Leadership Traits – Leading From Within
Before leaders can influence others, they must first develop themselves. These six traits help build self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability.
1. Humility – The Leadership Trait That Saved Steve Jobs
After his humiliating firing from Apple, Jobs spent years learning from failure. He built Pixar into a powerhouse, listened to new perspectives, and returned to Apple a transformed leader.
The best leaders admit they don’t have all the answers. Encourage feedback and learning.
2. Confidence – Trusting Your Own Voice
Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s a quiet assurance in your decisions. Serena Williams embodies this, winning championships by believing in her preparation.
Combat self-doubt by listing three personal wins before a big decision.
3. Selflessness – Leading for the Greater Good
When Alan Mulally took over Ford, the company was near bankruptcy. Instead of blaming others, he built a culture of teamwork and service, leading one of the greatest business turnarounds.
Ask yourself, “Am I making decisions for my ego or my team?”
4. Vulnerability – Strength in Authenticity
Brené Brown’s research proves that vulnerability builds trust and innovation. Leaders who admit mistakes foster stronger teams.
When faced with uncertainty, say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.”
5. Resilience – Learning from Setbacks
Elon Musk has faced countless failures—from near-bankruptcy at Tesla to SpaceX rocket explosions—but his resilience keeps him moving forward.
When you fail, ask, “What did this teach me?”
6. Versatility – Adapting to Change
Great leaders pivot when needed. Netflix’s shift from DVDs to streaming wasn’t luck—it was adaptability.
See change as an opportunity, not a threat.
External Leadership Traits – Leading with Impact
Once leaders develop self-awareness, they can focus on empowering others.
7. Embed Purpose – Giving People a Reason to Follow
Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Great leaders inspire teams with a bigger vision.
Regularly communicate your team’s mission.
8. Inspire Boldness – Encouraging Courage
Steve Jobs didn’t just make products—he inspired people to think differently. Bold leaders push teams beyond their comfort zones.
Celebrate smart failures as learning opportunities.
9. Empower People – Trusting Others to Lead
Micromanagement kills creativity. Richard Branson believes in hiring smart people and letting them do their job.
Fully delegate one major responsibility this week.
10. Encourage Truth-Telling – Creating a Culture of Honesty
McKinsey found that the best-performing teams encourage open, fearless communication. Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates thrives on radical transparency.
Ask, “What’s one thing I could improve?”—and truly listen.
11. Adopt Fearless Learning – Staying Curious & Open-Minded
Great leaders never stop learning. Bill Gates reads 50 books a year because knowledge fuels better decision-making.
Read a leadership book or take a course outside your field.
12. Instill Empathy – Understanding & Supporting Others
Barack Obama’s leadership strength was his ability to listen deeply and connect. Leaders who care inspire the strongest loyalty.
Instead of preparing a response, just listen to understand.
The Leadership Journey: Enjoying the Climb
Imagine leadership as a mountain climb.
At the base, the journey looks overwhelming. But each step—each leadership trait you develop—helps you climb higher.
Humility teaches you to ask for help when the path gets tough.
Resilience keeps you moving after setbacks.
Empowering others means you’re not climbing alone—you’re leading a team to the top.
But here’s the secret: Leadership isn’t just about reaching the summit. It’s about learning to love the climb.
The best leaders don’t just push through struggles—they appreciate the process. They find joy in personal growth, in mentoring others, in overcoming obstacles, and in discovering new perspectives along the way.
Instead of focusing on how far you have to go, take a moment to look back at how far you’ve already come. Appreciate the lessons, the challenges, and the relationships built along the way.
Because the real reward of leadership? It isn’t standing at the top—it’s who you become on the way up.
Your Leadership Journey Starts Today
Alan Mulally didn’t save Ford overnight. Steve Jobs didn’t transform Apple in a day. The best leaders commit to lifelong growth—and they find joy in the process.
Which of these 12 leadership traits will you work on first?
How can you enjoy your leadership journey instead of just pushing through it?
The journey never ends—but the higher you climb, the greater your impact.
Drop a comment: Which leadership trait do you want to develop next?
If this post resonated with you, share it with someone on their own leadership journey.
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