Steve Jobs' Guidance: Staying Composed Amidst Criticism
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Chapter 1: The Influential Encounter
In 1984, Marc Benioff crossed paths with Steve Jobs while serving as a summer intern at Apple. Their frequent interactions fostered a strong connection between them. Years later, after leading Salesforce for four years and achieving $50 million in revenue, Marc faced significant challenges in steering the company. It was Steve Jobs's mentorship that inspired Marc to launch AppExchange, propelling Salesforce's remarkable growth.
However, reaching that $50 million milestone required Marc to acquire new skills, particularly the ability to handle criticism with poise. This crucial skill is essential for anyone aspiring to run a successful business. Here, we delve into Marc's two-step approach to maintaining composure.
Section 1.1: Living in the Present
Recently, I witnessed a heated exchange between my father and a neighbor over a minor issue, both growing increasingly frustrated. As I listened, I noticed our neighbor began discussing a past incident, which escalated the argument. Instead of resolving the current issue, they veered into past grievances, leading to a more intense confrontation.
This common dynamic often occurs in heated discussions. When emotions run high, it's easy to get lost in past regrets or future anxieties. Because my neighbor couldn't remain focused on the present, my father struggled to address the immediate issue at hand.
What did Marc do in a similar situation?
As Marc prepared to assemble his first team of skilled developers, he recognized the importance of this meeting. He had crafted a brief business plan outlining his vision. However, one developer, named Dave, dismissed it as a "crackpot idea," listing reasons why it would fail.
If my neighbor had been in Marc's shoes, he might have angrily defended his qualifications and dismissed Dave's comments. Instead, Marc remained present, patiently articulating his vision for a new Software-as-a-Service company, aiming to revolutionize the industry.
Section 1.2: Detaching from Emotions
Throughout my life, I've encountered heated arguments. In such moments, I often feel torn between confronting the other person or remaining silent. I vividly recall a confrontation with a college classmate, where I was tempted to escalate the situation. Ultimately, I chose to raise my voice, succumbing to my emotions.
This reaction stems from an urge to defend one's position aggressively. However, Marc chose a different path. He maintained control over his emotions during his conversation with Dave. When confronted with skepticism, he calmly articulated the potential of his vision, stating, "People want to be part of the future."
Despite Dave's persistent negativity, Marc remained unflustered, showcasing his resilience. Imagine facing criticism for a startup idea you've passionately nurtured during a sabbatical. It's easy to feel disheartened by a stranger's doubts. Yet, Marc's composure allowed him to navigate this challenging landscape.
What can we learn from Marc's approach?
Ultimately, Marc succeeded in winning over Dave, who later revealed that he had been testing Marc's response to adversity to gauge his leadership qualities. Marc attributes his calm demeanor to practices like yoga and meditation, emphasizing the importance of being aware of our reactions in challenging situations.
Before You Proceed
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This video explores how Steve Jobs handled criticism and maintained composure, providing valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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