In an interview with the Dean of the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University (where he got his MBA), Tim Cook gave one of his most revealing quotes about how he runs Apple. He discussed how he looks for “wicked smart people that collaborate”.
It’s a philosophy that has enabled him to make major shifts at the company, such as creating their own silicon.
1. Taking Time to Reflect and Think
One of the most important traits that have helped Cook become one of the world’s most influential and successful CEOs is his ability to reflect and think strategically. Before making any major decisions, he carefully explores the pros and cons of each option and takes a long time to consider the implications of his choices. This makes him a great leader who can convince his team to join him in his vision for the company (Tasnim, 2018).
As an example, he has made sure that every single employee in Apple has access to the best technology possible so they can work together on projects. He also ensures that all departments and project leaders have the resources they need to succeed. In this way, he has created an environment in which everyone can work efficiently and collaborate with each other to create innovative products.
He has also prioritized his mental health by taking breaks and getting outside, which he believes helps him come up with better ideas. This is especially useful when he has to make tough decisions that have far-reaching consequences for the company. Cook is also an avid reader and enjoys spending his spare time hiking or biking.
Another important aspect of Cook’s strategic mind is his genuine appreciation for diversity. He understands that Apple is an organization that is largely fueled by innovation and that it requires different-minded individuals with great competence to help shape its future. He also emphasizes the importance of having employees who possess a diverse range of thought and style, as this will allow them to offer varying insights on how to improve the company.
Cook also has a democratic leadership style, in which he relies on top managers to manage their divisions rather than micromanaging every little detail of the company. He has built a strong team of talented and dedicated top executives who will help him make crucial decisions and keep the company moving in the right direction.
In addition, he encourages his employees to discuss their ideas openly and honestly, and he does not hesitate to listen to their feedback or even disagree with them. This has made it easier for him to implement his vision of the company and ensure that his team members are on board with his plans.
2. Focusing on the Future
One of the key factors that made Cook as successful and influential a CEO as he is can be attributed to his capacity for strategic thinking. It’s an innate quality that he has that allows him to make excellent judgments on complex matters a company like Apple deals with daily. This quality also makes him capable of engaging in effective ways with the various stakeholders of the company, namely employees, local communities, suppliers, and governments.
He takes the time to understand their priorities and works out ways to achieve them through the various projects he initiates. This is a major reason why his decisions regarding product development, supply chain management, and marketing are usually correct and well-timed.
In addition, he also puts a lot of emphasis on building teamwork and cooperation among employees at all levels in the company. This allows for a quicker delivery of work and also encourages the sharing of responsibility, which ultimately contributes to the overall success of Apple.
This leadership style of Cook has been a big reason why he has been able to sustain the innovation culture of Apple that was established by Steve Jobs. This democratic approach to leadership allows the talents of all employees to play a role in the company’s success. However, this doesn’t mean he gives up the power to make decisions on his own. Instead, he uses his knowledge and experience to convince others to support his vision for the future of Apple.
He is also known for his demanding work ethic. He regularly schedules staff phone calls on Sunday nights and conducts weekly operations meetings where he thoroughly examines the company’s pipeline. This meticulous approach to operations has enabled Apple to become a leader in efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, he often clarifies to stakeholders, such as customers and employees, that they play a significant role in the company’s procedures and lead to the wins, thus making them feel recognized by Apple. This demonstrates his genuine appreciation of diversity, which is also a key aspect of his leadership style.
3. Making a Major Shift to Create Their Own Silicon
The CEO of a company must know the strengths and weaknesses of all the key stakeholders, and have the ability to engage them. Cook understands the importance of building collaboration among workers, and he encourages all Apple employees to work together in order to attain the company goals and objectives. He is also a strong leader who knows how to implement new situations proactively and strategically (Kujala & Korhonen, 2021).
A great leader must be able to inspire and bring out the best in people. Cook has been able to do this by encouraging creativity and embracing different ideas. This has made it possible for Apple to develop innovative products and stay ahead of the competition.
One of the most significant changes that Cook has made to Apple is to create their own silicon rather than relying on third-party suppliers. This has helped them save money and ensure that they are getting the highest quality product. This was a huge risk as it meant that they would have to lose control of the entire supply chain, but so far it has paid off.
Another big change that Cook has made is to fire Scott Forstall, the executive who ran iOS, the software that powers iPhones. This was a risky move, as Forstall built iOS with Steve Jobs and was considered a mini-Jobs. However, it shows that Cook is not afraid to make big changes when needed, and that he values collaboration and trust.
In addition to these important qualities, a successful business leader must be able to listen to the opinions of other employees and make changes based on this feedback. Cook takes this advice seriously, and this has been one of the reasons that he has been so successful at Apple.
In the past, Steve Jobs was a very autocratic leader, but Cook has changed the culture of Apple. He is much more collaborative and allows his top executives to take the lead on many important decisions. This has allowed Apple to grow and expand, which is why he is currently the most successful CEO in the world.
4. Allowing Top Executives to Take the Lead
In comparison to his predecessor, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook has a different approach to leadership. He focuses on creating a team atmosphere and encourages collaboration. He believes that the company’s employees need to feel comfortable speaking their mind, and he does not want to create an environment of fear or discouragement.
In addition, Cook allows top executives to take the lead and contribute to many leadership decisions. He understands that these individuals have vast experience and can offer unique ideas. This allows him to make more informed decisions and allow the company to thrive.
Cook is an active listener and a great communicator. He makes an effort to visit Apple’s facilities and engage with employees and customers to understand their needs. He also reads feedback and comments on social media to gain insight into what the public is thinking. This allows him to develop a clear understanding of the company’s strengths and weaknesses and develop goals that are realistically achievable.
Another aspect of Cook’s leadership style is his ability to inspire others. He is able to motivate his team by setting ambitious yet realistic goals. He also explains why these goals are important, which helps to increase employee buy-in. He also teaches his team how to work together effectively by stressing the importance of open communication.
The way in which Tim Cook manages his team has been a big factor in Apple’s success under his leadership. He is a good listener, a skilled communicator, and a leader who believes in his team members. He treats everyone with respect and provides them with the tools they need to succeed.
Cook has been an effective CEO since 2011. In the time that he’s been in charge, Apple has grown to become a multitrillion-dollar company with operations that include music streaming, credit cards, and even an Oscar-nominated TV and film production studio. He has focused on expanding the company’s services division, which has helped offset a decline in iPhone sales. He has also introduced several innovative products, including the Apple Watch and AirPods. In addition, he has instituted several organizational changes that have improved Apple’s profitability and made the company more efficient.
