Life lesson from Steve Jobs: how to respond to insults. VIDEO
'21.08.2017'
Source: Inc.com
We live in a world where insults have long been the weapon of choice, writes Inc.com.
Internet trolls use them to make us mad. Competitors use them to get us out of the game. Sometimes even close people are offended if they feel contempt or threat.
Of course, we should not refuse all critical reviews. But insults aim to hurt, not help. So, how should you respond to insults at your address?
There is a good example of how to respond effectively to insults. Showed him a man from whom no one expected: co-founder Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), Steve Jobs.
In 1997, Steve Jobs returned to Apple: the company that left 10 years ago. He answered questions during the Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC),when one of the listeners cried out:
“Mr. Jobs, you are a smart and powerful person,” he began.
“It's starting!” Jobs replied to the audience's laughter.
This was followed by the famous insult:
“It is sad and obvious that in some of the issues discussed, you have no idea what you are talking about. For example, I would like to hear a clear answer in which way Java and its varieties correlate with ideas embodied in Opendoc. When you're done with this, maybe you can tell us what you have been doing for the last seven years. ”
Oops! Most of us would be confused to face such a public attack. But Jobs' answer is a great demonstration of what to do in this situation.
Here are some highlights of the lessons learned.
He pauses.
The first thing Jobs does is he is silent. And he thinks.
When it seems to everyone that an eternity has passed (in fact, 10 seconds), Jobs, after drinking a sip of water, answers both the question and the criticism.
“You know,” he begins his answer, “you may like some people for a while, but…”.
Pause again, this time around 8 seconds.
Much has been said about the value of a pause: this technique allows you to stop and think for a couple of moments (or longer) before acting. The pause is valuable because it allows you to control your emotions and think through everything before you say or do something you regret.
A pause allows Jobs to collect his thoughts and respond thoughtfully and meaningfully.
He agrees with his prosecutor.
“One of the hardest things about trying to influence change is that people like this gentleman are right! … To a certain extent, ”Jobs explains.
For many years, psychologists and other specialists have argued that the best way to convince a person is not to attack his position, but rather to find a common language. Jobs does just that, admitting that the man is right! Indeed, in the program Opendocabout which there is a speech, there are properties about which it is not known.
However, to understand all the properties of each application is not part of the tasks of the CEO, as he explains further.
He helps everyone to see the big picture.
Jobs continues to describe his role in Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC),. It is not to know all the details about each product, but to see the big picture, develop a strategy and keep everyone informed:
“The most difficult question is how does all this fit into one comprehensive strategy that will allow you to sell goods for 8 billions of dollars a year, for 10 billions? And I realized for myself that you should always start with the experience of working with clients and work in the opposite direction to technology. You cannot start with technology, and then find out to whom and how it can be sold. ”
This persuasive vision of working in the opposite direction from customer service at the time was innovative ... But history has confirmed that it was right.
He uses vulnerability to his advantage.
As for working with a client, Jobs continues:
“I made this mistake, probably more often than anyone else in this room. And I have scars to prove. And I know that this is true. "
Jobs not only explains his strategy, he uses his own knowledge to gain confidence. In fact, he suggests that all participants and shareholders learn from his experience.
He praises his people.
"AT Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), there are a lot of people who are working right now by the sweat of their brow, ”exclaims Jobs. He gives a few examples, and then praises his entire team - literally "hundreds of people."
“They're doing their best,” Jobs says.
With these words, Jobs is supporting his team. He recognizes their merits. He praises them.
He lets them know that he will always come to their defense. It inspires the team (and others) to support it.
Powerful finale.
Jobs' last words motivate.
“By the way, some mistakes will be made, some mistakes will be made along the way, which is good. Because along the way will be taken at least some solutions... And we will find mistakes and we will fix them, ”Jobs said to applause.
He made a full circle and returned to the person who asked the question:
“Mistakes will be made ... And people will talk about what they have no idea about. But I think that this is much better than what was recently. And I believe that everything will work out ”.
