Steve Jobs Traits

* Personality traits

General personality traits are observable within and outside the context of work (Dubrin, Dalglish & Miller 2006). These traits contribute to satisfaction and success in personal life likewise in the working environment.

* Self-confidence

Self-confidence indicates whether an individual is self-assured in his judgments, decision making, ideas and capabilities (Lussier & Achua 2007). It includes a sense of self-esteem and self-assurance and the belief that one can make a difference. Steve Jobs has a strong self- confidence in his ability to solve problems and make decisions. Owing to his high controlling power, Steve Jobs possess the ability to remake a big, dysfunctional corporation into a tight, disciplined ship that accomplished tasks on his demanding schedules (Leander 2008). Self- confidence differentiates between effective and ineffective managers (Yukl 2006).

* Sense of humour / Enthusiasm

Avolio, Howell and Sosil (1999) stated that "Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps". Humour crafts a person to being a people-orientated and amicable leader (Dubrin, Dalglish & Miller 2006). In all speeches delivered by Steve Jobs during Apple product launches, he instils the excitement about the new product to his audience (John 2006).

* Extroversion

Extroverts like to meet new people, are outgoing, willing to confront others, moreover they tend to enjoy human interactions and spend more time in social situations (Judge et al. 2002). When requested to have a dialogue about his creation of Apple, Steve Jobs revealed his willingness in numerous interviews and front cover photographs. He had proven his relationship with the world media and for this reason; he exhibited this trait of an extrovert. Steve Jobs is also capable of influencing his people to have a strong desire to work. Many colleagues described him as a talented person who is captivating and can be a remarkable motivator

(Angelelli 1994). Extroverts will tend to exhibit inspirational leadership. An example of inspiration is when Jobs lured Sculley from Pepsi by asking him if he wanted a chance to change the world or to spend the rest of his life selling sugared water (). Since he is ambitious, influential and positive, he is likely to generate confidence and enthusiasm among followers (Judge 1999).

* Assertiveness

The assertiveness of a leader is one who is forthright in expressing his demands, opinions, attitudes and feelings (Dubrin, Dalglish & Miller 2006). Steve Jobs impelled his workers to the heights of unethical extreme work conditions by working nights and weekends for fifteen consecutive months in order to meet a deadline (Angelelli 1994). He comes up with more aggressive visions (Morris & Levinstein 2008) and he is a perfectionist who thrusts his staff to create elegant, iconic products (Burrows 2009).

* Emotional stability

Steve Jobs had low emotional stability. The solid facts supporting this view can be seen from his reputation in the organisation is a terror inspiring taskmaster whom screamed at his workers and randomly fired those unlucky ones.

(Behaviour)* Task-related personality

Steve Jobs has proven to be a task-oriented leader who tends to focus more on his task and organization performance. Courage Passion He was a micro manager and possessed a high degree of passion for his work. He shares his passion with his staff by providing vision that will become reality, inspired his people, guided and developed his team, and made many key decisions (Leander 2008). His passion was so strong that even those collaborators who had been yelled by him appreciated his passion because they could see the effect of his work. Simon and Young 2005, remarked Steve captured the spirit of his groups and dictates that though working long hours at work, they shared one common attribute, that is, to build an amazing computers that shocked the world. He selected people with related goals and challenged them to accomplish the tasks by thinking different (Stross 1993). The effort that they put in is more than the amount they earn and pursuing their career path. (Simon & Young (2005)

* Locus of control

Internal locus of control is applicable to Steve Jobs because people with internal locus of control believe that their personal actions directly affect the outcome of an event. In this case, they are most likely to seek the role of a leader due to the fact that they believe primarily in their capacity to take charge (Dubrin, Dalglish & Miller 2006). Leaders with an internal locus of control take responsibility for events and are risk takers for the performance of their organizations (Yukl 2006). Prior to Jobs' return to Apple, the organisation was in an off-hand environment with employees reporting late and knocking off early. After taking over, he controlled all aspects in the day-to-day operations of Apple (Leander 2008). Emotional intelligence Steve Jobs does not listen to people's feelings, what he only listen is their ideas (Angelelli 1994). We can deduce from this statement that he is deficient