Do’s and Don’ts Courtesy Steve Jobs and “Antennagate”

The iphone 4 was released this past June after much anticipation. It was no surprise that people were lining up and stores couldn’t keep them in stock due to the most recent Apple treat’s ground-breaking video calling system, FaceTime, with two built-in cameras and four times the pixels. This phone was thinner and sleeker than all its predecessors.

But there was a glitch. Users soon found a flaw that spoiled their new love affair. If held in a certain way, the antenna could become blocked and users would lose signal strength. When his e-mailed response to a concerned user telling them to avoid holding the phone that way or buy a case wasn’t received as warmly as he thought, Steve Jobs held a press conference about the issue.

Jobs has turned the Apple brand into a cult phenomenon that few can compete against in marketing and innovation brilliance, however, the leadership skills he demonstrated in this conference still leave a little to be desired. Here are four tips you can learn from things Jobs did well and not so well that can make you a better leader:

1. Communication skills are vital

Whether you are talking to someone in person, e-mail or on the phone, you need to think before you speak. Always remember that while it may sound reasonable to you, it may not to the other person. Personality, environment, circumstance, culture and age all play a big role in how people evaluate your words. A suggestion, such as ‘avoid holding the phone that way,’ can turn what you perceive as a mole hill into a mountain for the other person.

2. Humility

Yes, as a leader you need to be confident and stand by your decisions, but when you’ve made a mistake, you need to admit it and do so graciously. Don’t make excuses, don’t blame your customers and don’t say your competitors have the same issues. Accept it and move forward.

3. Learn from the mistake

Here's something Apple did correctly, they quickly released the free iOS 4.0.1 Software Update that fixes the signal problem, other bugs, plus supplies over 100 new features. When you encounter a mistake, don’t sweep it under the rug, embrace it and use it to make you and your business better.

4. Listen

After being told that the bumper case solves the signal strength problem Steve Jobs and Apple are giving everyone with the iphone 4 a free one. Not only will this eliminate the problem for many people, but it is also a good faith gesture to mend the relationship Apple has with its customers. Remember that a small gesture can go a long way to improving a relationship when something has gone wrong.

So, Steve Jobs only scored 50% on this round, but it’s a good lesson to everyone that no matter who you are you need to continually be working on your leadership skills. Follow these four simple tips to be on your way to 100%.