Gates' View on Himself and Tech Leaders
During a fireside chat, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, expressed his perception of himself in comparison to fellow tech leaders Elon Musk and Steve Jobs. Gates considers himself to be "very nice" when compared to these influential figures in the tech industry. However, he also recognizes the need for a certain level of intensity in innovative fields.
The Relaxed Leadership Style of Bill Gates
Gates emphasized that he is a more relaxed boss compared to many of his counterparts in the tech industry. Speaking at the Peter G. Peterson Leadership Excellence Award event hosted by the Economic Club of New York, Gates mentioned Elon Musk and Steve Jobs in response to questions about creating a culture of innovation. He highlighted the importance of striking a balance between being hardcore and nurturing innovation.
Gates' Perspective on Elon Musk and Steve Jobs
Reflecting on the differences in leadership styles, Gates mentioned Elon Musk and Steve Jobs as examples. He acknowledged that both Musk and Jobs pushed hard, sometimes even too much. With a sense of humor, Gates stated that he considers himself "very nice" in comparison to these visionary leaders.
The History between Gates, Jobs, and Musk
Bill Gates has had a complex relationship with both Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. Gates and Jobs transitioned from being allies to rivals multiple times, fueling major innovations in both Microsoft and Apple. Following Jobs' passing, Gates expressed respect for the Apple co-founder and appreciated their competitive dynamic. On the other hand, Gates and Musk have had a more turbulent relationship, often publicly disagreeing on various topics, including space travel and climate change.
The Importance of Intensity in Innovative Leadership
While discussing his own experiences, Gates acknowledged the necessity of a certain level of intensity to succeed as an innovative leader. He shared that during his 20s, he was entirely focused on Microsoft, even disregarding weekends and vacations. Gates believes that his intensity during that time was a positive experience and continues to shape his thinking today.
The Urban Legend of Gates' Employee License Plate Memorization
During the discussion, the moderator brought up an urban legend surrounding Gates' early days at Microsoft. According to the legend, Gates memorized the license plates of all his employees to track their work hours. Gates confirmed the tale, stating that although they only had a few hundred employees at the time, he could still recall when they arrived and left the office. He attributed his intensity to this positive experience, which still influences his approach to problem-solving and innovation.
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By: esnodgrass@insider.com (Erin Snodgrass)
Title: Bill Gates: A “Nice” Leader in Comparison to Elon Musk and Steve Jobs
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-thinks-himself-nice-compared-elon-musk-steve-jobs-2023-12
Published Date: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 03:26:17 +0000
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