Steve Jobs: The Windchaser
The thing about Steve Jobs that continues to amaze me is his timing. He releases devices into the world at just the right time. Like a surfer catching the wave at that perfect moment in order to get the best ride possible. Jobs introduces revolutionary new products when the world is on the cusp of admitting that they have a need. Instantly, he fills that perceived hole in our soul.
Which got me thinking about the process. No one can see a need and instantly provide solutions of the quality and caliber that Apple does. No, there are years of R & D involved, prototypes, revisions, refining, scrapping and starting over. But when we the consumer finally see the devices, we want them – and need them. How does he do that?!
It’s like not knowing when your friend’s wedding will be, or where, but jumping in your car and driving toward where you think it will be, and arriving right as the ceremony is about to start. That’s insane to expect, but he does it each and every time. I imagine that Jobs sets a product in motion when his heart and soul tell him it needs to exist. And then it’s all about a slow, guided creation with one eye on the device and another on the wind.
And as they approach the completion of development, Jobs licks his finger, holds it up to the wind, and smiles.
It’s time.
