What's Your Leadership Story?

The recent passing of Steve Jobs has sparked an opportunity to reflect on his impact on the world as we know it. I love iTunes and my iPhone, but beyond that I never really new much about Apple or its iconic creator. I find the stories that have been printed about the impact Steve Jobs had on the way we communicate with each other and where he ranks among inventors in our history to be fascinating. Among his many inventions and contributions to the way we live, I think he greatest contribution may have been the speech he gave at the 2005 commencement ceremony at Stanford University.

Steve Jobs started his speech by telling the crowd he was going to share three stories. Just three stories..."no big deal", but these stories painted an amazing picture of the path Steve Jobs took to become the person he was. All of us have the capacity to realize our own stories and make the most of the opportunities we have been given to follow our unique paths. Our time on this earth is limited. As Steve said, "death is a destination we all share". Tomorrow is never promised to any of us and that knowledge can provide great motivation to reach for our passion and our dreams.

If you haven't seen it yet, please check out the video of his speech. I hope you will take a few moments and ponder the stories from your life that make you the person you are today and think about how you can use your unique talents and perspectives to benefit those around you. None of us have to be Steve Jobs to make an impact on others. As he said in his speech, find what you love to do and never settle!!