Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, two of the most influential figures in the technology industry, have been the subject of constant analysis and admiration throughout their careers. Musk has been a ‘game-changer’ in the sector of electric cars, space exploration and satellite Internet, while Jobs was responsible for the existence of Apple, one of the most important companies in history.
Walter Isaacson, author of a biography about Elon Musk, sheds light on the similarities and differences that defined their leadership styles and limitless ambitions.
As it explains Benzingawhich cites Isaacson’s publication, both leaders They shared a “dark streak” in their personalities, characterized by direct, demanding feedback that drove their teams toward perfection.. However, this methodology sometimes bordered on excessive criticism, reflecting his firm determination to achieve innovation at all costs.
The co-founders, aside
Another common feature was his tendency to overshadow his co-founderssuch as Steve Wozniak in the case of Apple Inc. and Martin Eberhard in Tesla Inc. This tendency could be due to his strong personality and tireless vision of achieving ambitious goals.
Musk and Jobs’ ambitious nature led them to set challenging deadlines, driving rapid advancement in their respective companies. However, this same ambition sometimes had an impact on the morale of his teams, as the pressure to meet tight deadlines could be overwhelming.
Despite these similarities, Isaacson highlights a fundamental difference between the two leaders: their focus on engineering. While Jobs focused on product design, Musk dives into the complexities of manufacturing and engineering, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation. He considers that designing the machinery that makes a product is more relevant than the design of the product itself and believes in constant iteration as the key to innovation.
Both Elon Musk and Steve Jobs left a deep mark on the world of technology, but their approaches and leadership styles have distinctive nuances. Both leaders demonstrated that determination, ambition and the constant pursuit of innovation are essential ingredients to transform industries.