Ex-Google Head Describes Steve Jobs as a 'Diva' and Explains Their Importance in Firms

Steve Jobs exemplified the concept of a diva, which, according to former Google leader Eric Schmidt, is precisely what companies need to thrive.

As discussed on a recent episode of 'The Diary of A CEO,' Schmidt, who led Google from 2001 to 2011, insisted that the cornerstone of developing an outstanding product is partnering with a uniquely talented individual.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be you.

“Seek out someone who surpasses your intelligence, agility, and world-changing capabilities,” Schmidt advised, “or whatever aspect you're optimizing. Forge an alliance with them since they are the ones poised to transform the world.”

This transformative figure, characterized as a 'diva,' is a concept Schmidt and Google's past VP of products, Jonathan Rosenberg, explore in 'How Google Works.'

“Great individuals are often unique and challenging,” they note in their book, “and some eccentricities can be off-putting.”

Even though divas may perceive themselves as superior to their colleagues, their overwhelming talent and accomplishments justify their egos. One prominent example was Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, who Schmidt pointed out was an undisputed diva.

“Headstrong, assertive, argumentative, and at times a bully, Jobs was brilliant,” Schmidt remarked during the podcast. “He sought perfection, making it wise to align with someone like Jobs.”

Jobs was infamous for his authoritarian management style, which included episodes of anger and immediate dismissals but was key to numerous successful Apple products. Schmidt stressed that approaching problems with a unique cleverness is what makes divas integral to innovation and thus essential for a company’s progress.

“Absent such an individual, your company will stagnate,” he emphasized. “The reason being, continuing the same way is often too simple.”

However, former Google executives were careful to draw a line between divas and 'knaves,' who while equally conceited, place their own interests above those of the team.

“Historically, a knave acts in self-interest,” Schmidt explained during the podcast. “They aren't focused on doing the right thing, instead, they aim for self-gain at others' expense.”

Unlike divas, who despite their idiosyncrasies should be safeguarded, Rosenberg and Schmidt contended that knaves are ‘careless, egocentric’ and lack integrity, necessitating prompt action against them.

“Knaves lack integrity,” they outlined, “whereas diva behavior reflects exceptionalism.”