Steve Jobs, the man who put customers first

The genius who brought the world ‘the computer for the rest of us’ is dead at the shockingly early age of 56.

Plenty of others have already contributed articles, web pages, flowers, prayer vigils and more to mark his passing.

I want to add my two cent’s worth; but this time in recognition of how humble he was, in acknowledging his mistakes.

Now, humble’s not a word normally associated with this unparalleled tech industry visionary and leader. But take a look at this quote from 1997, shortly after he resumed control at Apple:

“You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back to the technology — not the other way around. I’ve probably made this mistake more than anybody, and I’ve got the scar tissue to prove it.”

That’s a man who knows where he’s been, and where he’s going. And it would do all of us a lot of good to remember that, no matter how proud we may be of our brilliant products or mould-breaking services, it’s the customer experience that will dictate our success or failure.

Thanks for touching our lives, Steve. And thanks for reminding us of what’s really important.