Be a Yardstick of Quality - Steve Jobs
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. — Steve Jobs
—What lingers after this line?
Setting High Standards
This quote encourages individuals to maintain high standards of quality in their work and actions. By becoming a 'yardstick,' you set the benchmark for excellence, inspiring others to strive for similar levels of achievement.
Challenging the Status Quo
Steve Jobs highlights the importance of fostering an environment where exceptional work is the norm, not the exception. This mindset pushes against mediocrity and challenges others to adapt and evolve.
Leadership by Example
The phrase implies the impact of leading by example. When you demonstrate excellence, you influence and motivate those around you to align with higher standards.
Excellence as a Habit
Jobs emphasizes that not everyone is accustomed to environments where excellence is expected. By consistently delivering quality, you cultivate a culture where striving for greatness becomes habitual.
Innovation and Progress
As a visionary leader, Jobs believed that setting high standards not only leads to better outcomes but also fosters innovation and progress, pushing people and organizations beyond their comfort zones.
Personal and Professional Growth
This quote underscores the idea that embracing high standards facilitates both personal and professional growth. It encourages individuals to step out of complacency and continuously improve.
Recommended Reading
One-minute reflection
What feeling does this quote bring up for you?
Related Quotes
6 selectedI don't want to be interesting. I want to be good. — Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Mies van der Rohe’s line draws a sharp boundary between being “interesting” and being “good,” implying that the two are not automatically aligned. “Interesting” can be a surface effect—something that grabs attention quic...
Read full interpretation →The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
This quote emphasizes that passion is a key ingredient to achieving excellence in any endeavor. Loving what you do fuels the drive and determination to overcome challenges and pursue perfection.
Read full interpretation →The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
This quote suggests that loving one's work is essential for achieving greatness. When you're passionate about what you do, you're more likely to put in the effort and dedication required to excel.
Read full interpretation →The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
This quote underscores the importance of passion in achieving excellence. Loving what you do fuels motivation and dedication, which are critical for producing great work.
Read full interpretation →The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again. — Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs frames success not as pure triumph but as something that can accumulate gravity over time. Once you are seen as “successful,” expectations harden: you are supposed to be consistent, certain, and constantly rig...
Read full interpretation →Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. – Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
This quote emphasizes the finite nature of time and the importance of using it wisely. It serves as a reminder that life is short, and we should prioritize our own goals and dreams.
Read full interpretation →More From Author
More from Steve Jobs →The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again. — Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs frames success not as pure triumph but as something that can accumulate gravity over time. Once you are seen as “successful,” expectations harden: you are supposed to be consistent, certain, and constantly rig...
Read full interpretation →The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
This quote emphasizes that passion is a key ingredient to achieving excellence in any endeavor. Loving what you do fuels the drive and determination to overcome challenges and pursue perfection.
Read full interpretation →The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
This quote suggests that loving one's work is essential for achieving greatness. When you're passionate about what you do, you're more likely to put in the effort and dedication required to excel.
Read full interpretation →The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
This quote underscores the importance of passion in achieving excellence. Loving what you do fuels motivation and dedication, which are critical for producing great work.
Read full interpretation →