Steve
Wozniak once reflected on how he might have led Apple differently compared to
Steve Jobs. He suggested he would have been "a lot nicer to people," though he
conceded that this approach could have prevented the Macintosh from ever being
released. Jobs was known for his demanding, sometimes harsh, management style.
His relentless push for perfection and premature product launches created
intense internal pressure. Many found his leadership unbearable, likely driving
away talented individuals. Yet, this very approach helped establish one of the
most iconic and successful companies globally.
For
small business owners, such extreme tactics are often unnecessary. However,
many end up tolerating too much from employees, vendors, clients, and others.
The
character Tony Soprano from The Sopranos resonates with many because of
his strength and assertiveness. Tony didn't tolerate nonsense and took decisive
action. While his methods were extreme and not advisable, the lesson is clear:
standing up for oneself and not being overly affected by critics can help one
become a respected and assertive leader.
This
principle is particularly relevant to the security of your business. Failing to
take a strong stand and establish clear boundaries can leave you vulnerable to
exploitation. Cybercriminals and others with their own agendas will not care
about your well-being. They aim to exploit your hard work, steal your profits,
infiltrate your network, and access your data, risking everything you've built.
