Have you ever wondered what goes through a leader’s mind when their company is on the brink of collapse? Or how do they maintain their composure when everything seems to fall apart? Scott Mautz, mental toughness expert and LinkedIn Learning trainer, is clear: The ability to regulate emotions and thoughts in the most complicated moments is what makes the difference. to great leaders. And Apple has two perfect examples: Steve Jobs and Tim Cook.
Although the leadership styles of both CEOs they are so different Like night and day, the two shared one crucial characteristic: mental strength in the darkest moments. And not, We are not talking about simple optimism. As Professor Robert Sutton of Stanford University explains: “True mental strength in leadership is not about ignoring problems, but about confronting them with brutal clarity while maintaining unwavering faith in ultimate success.”
There is no perfect path
Japanese “wabi-sabi” teaches us to appreciate the beauty of imperfection, and both Jobs and Cook understood this perfectly. When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, The company lost a billion dollars a year.. Instead of looking for the perfect solution, it accepted the imperfection of the process: it eliminated 70% of Apple products, a decision that many considered a mistake. As Scott Mautz explains, Getting stuck in “what could have been” only creates a negative cycle.. Tim Cook applied this same philosophy when he decided to remove the headphone port from the iPhone: he knew there would be no “perfect” time to do it. And yet, he did it.
It’s not what I lost, it’s what I still have
Harvard University has shown that showing gratitude is directly related to greater happiness and less stress. Steve Jobs demonstrated this mentality when he was fired from Apple in 1985. Instead of sinking into despair, he focused on what he had: your knowledge. He then founded NeXT and bought Pixar. “Being fired from Apple was the best thing that could have happened to me,” he would confess years later.
Adversity does not create consequences
This phrase, inspired by the ABC model of cognitive behavioral therapy, was crucial during the “antennagate” of the iPhone 4. Steve Jobs did not see controversy as a death sentence, but as an opportunity to improve Apple’s transparency. As Scott Mautz comments, “Adversity does not automatically mean negative outcomes.” Tim Cook applied this mentality during criticism of Apple Vision Pro sales: Negative reactions will not determine the fate of the product.
let it be
Acceptance does not mean ignoring problems, but recognizing them without being paralyzed by them. When Tim Cook took over as CEO, comparisons to Steve Jobs were constant. Instead of imitating and continually thinking “what Steve would do”, he bet on himself and “He let Apple be” under his philosophy. Further back, Jobs showed a similar approach when he accepted that the iPad could cannibalize Mac sales: he let it happen without worrying about that collateral damage.
Overview, baby steps
This concept, fundamental to the psychology of success, was the basis of Apple’s greatest innovations. Steve Jobs had a revolutionary vision for the iPhone, but he developed it step by step: first the iPod, then the iPod with touch wheel, then the iPhone. As Scott Mautz explains, this phrase helps us keep perspective on the end goal while identifying small actions to move forward. Tim Cook applied this strategy with Apple Intelligence: first advances in artificial intelligence with Face IDthe Photos application, the camera… until we get to what we have today.
The fascinating thing is that these phrases, backed by psychology and neuroscience, are not just theory. Steve Jobs and Tim Cook turned them into principles that transformed a company on the brink of bankruptcy into the most valuable in the world. And if, Right now you may be thinking about how to apply some of these lessons in your own life or business. So grab a pencil and paper and start working with these five concepts.
Sources | Linkedin, Harvard University and Healthline
In Applesfera | How to take a hearing test with your iPhone and check the health of your ears
In Applesfera | When will Apple Intelligence be available in Spanish and in Spain: everything we know