Why Steve Jobs’ No Bozos Policy Is Still Relevant Today

Apple isn’t just a tech giant; it’s a testament to Steve Jobs’ genius, both in product design and management. A decade after his passing, Jobs’ legacy continues to influence how businesses approach leadership. And though Apple has thrived, there are times when users still miss his no-nonsense leadership style. While Apple has thrived, users still occasionally miss his no-nonsense leadership style and visionary management philosophy. Thirty-seven years ago, in an interview, Steve Jobs said the best managers never actually want to be managers. This philosophy is more relevant than ever. So, what can today’s managers learn from Jobs’ approach that’s still shaping leadership in 2025?

The Best Don’t Always Want the Job

If you’re trying to find the next big manager, don’t go for the person itching to climb the corporate ladder. Jobs believed the best managers were those who didn’t seek the job—because they were already too busy being great at what they did. As Jobs famously said, “The best managers are the great individual contributors who never, ever want to be a manager but decide they have to be a manager because no one else is going to do as good a job as them.”

Look at Debi Coleman, a finance wiz with an English degree. Jobs saw her potential, promoted her, and the rest was history. She didn’t just manage finances; she revolutionized them. Lesson? The best managers don’t chase titles—they step up when it’s needed.

Don’t Just Manage, Inspire

Jobs wasn’t about micromanaging. He didn’t need a checklist; he needed a vision. As he said, “Leadership is having a vision, being able to articulate it so that people around you can understand it and getting a consensus on that common vision.” A compelling vision united Apple’s team, and that's how they created a tech empire. For managers today, a clear vision is essential. And guess what? That’s exactly what your company needs too. A vision isn’t just a corporate sound bite, it’s the glue that holds your whole team together.

Hire for Passion, Not Pedigree

Jobs didn’t care about fancy degrees or corporate experience. He wanted people who were “insanely great” at what they did and who shared his drive to innovate. “The neatest thing that happens is when you get a core group of 10 great people. It becomes self-policing as to who they let into that group.” For modern managers, this means hiring people who are driven and passionate, not just those with the right credentials. Because at the end of the day, passion trumps pedigree.

Why Jobs’ Philosophy Still Rules Today

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, that’s all great for Apple, but does this still apply today?” Absolutely. In fact, Steve Jobs’ approach to leadership is more relevant now than ever. Especially in a world full of corporate jargon and micromanagement, Jobs’ no-nonsense approach stands as a beacon of effective leadership. It’s not about titles or micromanaging, it’s about inspiring your team, letting them run with their ideas, and picking people who can drive change

In a time where corporate BS can bury good ideas, Jobs’ no-nonsense approach is the reminder we need. Don’t hire people for their experience. Hire them for their drive. Don’t manage people, lead them. And don’t be afraid to elevate the underdog who’s ready to step up.

Jobs’ Management Legacy

Steve Jobs’ legacy isn’t just in the iPhone or iPad. His greatest gift to the business world is the way he redefined leadership. It’s simple: hire passionate people, empower them with a vision, and get out of their way. So next time you’re building a team or stepping into a leadership role, remember this: The people who don’t want the job could be the ones who do it best. As Jobs said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Now, that’s something worth building a business around.