Toronto (ECN) - There is an old Chinese Proverb that says: “Behind an able man there are always other able men.” Steve Jobs is a very able man that had the insight, creativity, and perseverance to turn an idea into a multimillion dollar business that is reshaping how the world perceives itself. Like all able men, Jobs is suffering from the contrast that we all face in life; sickness or being out of balance physically. The big question now is can the Apple continue to shine without its main source of shinning? The face of Apple looks gaunt and tired and the stock drop has confirmed the fact that its customer base is worried about Steve, the company and its ability to continue to provide our economy with innovative products.
The total industry has not being shinning very brightly. Over the past six months Apple is down 53% and Microsoft is down 28%. Even with Steve at the head of the class, its performance has been dramatically affected by the economic situation. Bill Gates left Microsoft in June of 2008 and no one really felt any difference because of his departure; it was a planned event and everyone had almost eight years to adjust to his exit. The company has more issues with its product line than the departure of Gates. In the final analyst it’s always about the product and the people who dedicated their lives to making a difference within a company.
Certainly Jobs quick departure strikes a note of fear in the minds of those who believe Jobs is not replaceable, but history and ancient wisdom proves that everyone is replaceable. It takes more than one man to change that fact. It can be said that no clear successor to Jobs is apparent, but just like a phoenix one will rise from the ashes at some point and soon. Certainly a strong leader and the charismatic energy he brings to the company, does make a difference in the performance, but that energy does have a way of replacing itself. It is the energy of the company; the consciousness of the company that will find a solution to life without Jobs.
Steve Jobs is valuable and has been the dock where the boat called Apple has grown into luxury liner status. Just like all docks, people, places and things, change is the only constant in the reality of physical life. The brilliance of Apple is a joint effort not the work of one man, although the awareness of its brilliance has been helped by the efforts of the man who made it his life. In his current state of health he is still bringing that brilliance into our awareness, and will continue to do so whatever his future role may be.
Whatever position the world takes about whether Apple will rot or continue to grow, really doesn’t matter. Apple and the people who make Apple what it is, will make the choices that develop the probabilities that will determine its future. If history is any indication of the kind of choices they are capable of making, then it’s safe to say the Chinese were right, behind every able man is a plethora of able men.
