Steve Jobs - Innovate, Don't Imitate

Life Lessons From The Top 49
Getty Images
Several decades ago, the late Steve Jobs introduced the mouse and object-oriented operating systems to the computer marketplace. Suddenly, computers became far easier to operate than ever before, but that innovation meant that Apple’s computers were also among the most expensive available. While trying to finalize the coding for this new brand of software, renowned computer genius Bill Gates was hired to help. Gates then took the concept and created Windows, a similar operating system that could run on PCs. Suddenly, PCs became more popular than ever before due to the ease of use and low, low prices. While Apple Computers remained expensive innovators, they could never compete with PC pricing. 

But with so many different software and hardware companies manufacturing PCs, quality control was an issue, and they rarely worked as they were supposed to. Apple, on the other hand, developed everything in house and manufactured beautifully functioning machines. As computers became more important, consumers gradually realized that the functionality of Apple products was worth the extra cost, and Apple became the marquee computer company. 

But Jobs wasn’t satisfied with that and took advantage of the increased profile and success of his company for further innovations, creating the iPod, iPhone and iPad. All of them are now a part of daily life, and while countless other companies offer their own MP3 players, touchscreen smartphones and tablets, none of the competitors can keep up with the constant inventions coming out of Apple.

For years, Jobs was considered a less important figure than Gates, but by constantly trying to innovate rather than merely imitate a current success, Jobs went on to become an infinitely more powerful figure. The lesson here is simple: If you seek to become a powerful and influential person, never look at what those around you are doing. Create your own path and find your own followers. No one ever became No. 1 by trying as hard as they could to be like the guy ranked No. 2.   

Click here for the full list of our Top 49 Most Influential Men Of 2011. 


Load Comments

More Like This


      Around the Web

        Special Features