Steve Jobs’s Gift: A Jaguar for a Late Secretary

Despite being feared by many, Steve Jobs demonstrated surprising generosity by gifting a Jaguar to his secretary after she was late due to car trouble – a gesture worth roughly $123,000 today.

The Intimidating Reputation of Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was renowned for his demanding and often intimidating leadership style, so much so that employees reportedly avoided even sharing an elevator with him. This reputation paints a picture of a leader who held incredibly high expectations.

This intimidating persona often overshadowed other aspects of Jobs’ character, particularly his capacity for surprising generosity.

A Solution to a Problem: The Jaguar Gift

When his secretary arrived late to work due to car problems, Steve Jobs didn’t resort to reprimand or dismissal. Instead, he surprised her with a brand-new Jaguar, reportedly costing around $35,000 in 1981 – equivalent to approximately $123,000 in today’s dollars after adjusting for inflation.

This spontaneous act, recounted by former Apple Director of Quality Ron Givens, highlights Jobs’s pragmatic approach to problem-solving and unexpected kindness.

Beyond the Expense: A Blend of Demanding and Generous

The gift wasn’t merely about the financial value; it was a practical solution to ensure his secretary’s punctuality. Jobs simply stated, “Take these, so you’ll never be late again,” demonstrating his focus on efficiency and a surprising willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to achieve it.

This anecdote reveals a paradoxical side of Steve Jobs – a leader capable of both intense pressure and remarkable generosity.

A Testament to Jobs’s Unique Leadership Style

Ron Givens’s recollection provides a glimpse into the complexities of Steve Jobs’s character. While known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and demanding expectations, he also possessed a capacity for unexpected acts of kindness and generosity.

The story of the Jaguar gift serves as a reminder that even the most formidable leaders can exhibit moments of surprising empathy and compassion.

Key Takeaways

• Steve Jobs gifted a secretary a Jaguar after she was late due to car trouble.
• The gift, worth approximately $123,000 today, demonstrates Jobs’s surprising generosity.
• The gesture was a pragmatic solution to ensure the secretary’s punctuality.
• The anecdote reveals a paradoxical side of Jobs’s leadership style – both demanding and compassionate.
• This story, recounted by Ron Givens, offers a unique insight into Jobs’s character.