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Steve Jobs, known for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of perfection, had a unique philosophy about mistakes. Instead of fearing them, he believed that making mistakes was essential for growth and innovation. In a speech to his team, Jobs said:
“Some mistakes will be made along the way. That’s good, because at least some decisions are being made. And we’ll find the mistakes. We’ll fix them.”
Photo: Lou Dematteis / Reuters
This mindset played a huge role in Apple’s success. But how can embracing mistakes actually drive progress? Let’s explore this idea through Jobs’ story and what it means for any leader or team trying to innovate.
Why Making Mistakes is a Sign of Progress
Jobs believed that mistakes weren’t the enemy—they were proof that action was being taken. In many organizations, people are so afraid of failure that they avoid making decisions or taking risks. Jobs turned that idea on its head.
“When mistakes are made,” he said, “we fix them and move forward.” This approach creates a culture of constant learning and improvement. Instead of getting stuck in fear or perfectionism, the team stays focused on progress.
A perfect example of this can be found in Apple’s early days. When the company launched the Macintosh, there were countless bugs and design flaws. But instead of seeing those as failures, Jobs saw them as opportunities to iterate. Each mistake led to better versions of the product—until Apple became the gold standard for personal computers.
The Human Factor: Support and Loyalty
Jobs didn’t just focus on fixing mistakes—he was also fiercely loyal to his team. He understood that creating a supportive environment was critical for long-term success.
During Apple’s turnaround, Jobs pointed out that his team was constantly being poached by competitors in Silicon Valley. “They’re all getting calls, being offered three times as much money to go do this,” he said. “And none of them are leaving.” Why? Because Jobs built a culture where people weren’t punished for making mistakes. Instead, they were supported as they worked through challenges.
One of the best-known examples of this is the development of the iPhone. The original prototypes had countless issues. The screen was too fragile, the battery life was poor, and the software was glitchy. But instead of abandoning the project, Jobs pushed his team to keep going. They knew they had his full support—even when things went wrong.
The Importance of Grit and Resilience
Jobs also emphasized the need for grit and resilience when things got tough. He was clear that some people would be unhappy with the process.
“Some people will be pissed off. Some people will not know what they’re talking about,” Jobs said. But he didn’t let that stop him or his team.
Apple’s comeback wasn’t smooth. After Jobs returned to the company in the late 1990s, Apple faced harsh criticism. Many thought the company was finished. But instead of giving up, Jobs used that pressure as motivation. He encouraged his team to stay focused on the vision, no matter how bumpy the road got.
That resilience paid off when Apple launched products like the iMac and iPod—innovations that redefined the company’s future.
Learning from Jobs: How to Turn Mistakes Into Strengths
Jobs’ philosophy isn’t just for billion-dollar companies. Whether you’re leading a startup or managing a small team, you can use his approach to build a culture of progress. Here’s how:
1. Create a Safe Space for Mistakes
Make it clear that mistakes are part of the process. When people feel safe taking risks, they’re more likely to come up with bold ideas and innovative solutions.
For example, Pixar (another company Jobs helped lead) had a rule during brainstorming sessions: no idea was too crazy. That openness led to some of the most beloved animated films of all time.
2. Support Your Team, Even When Things Go Wrong
When mistakes happen, resist the urge to blame or criticize. Instead, ask: How can we fix this? How can we learn from it? By showing support, you’ll build loyalty and trust—just like Jobs did.
3. Focus on the Long Game
Mistakes might cause short-term frustration, but they’re often necessary for long-term success. Jobs kept his eye on the big picture, knowing that each failure brought Apple closer to breakthrough innovations.
Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection
Steve Jobs’ genius wasn’t just in creating iconic products—it was in creating a culture that embraced mistakes as part of the journey. By taking risks, learning from failures, and supporting his team, he built a company that didn’t just survive—it thrived.
So the next time you face a setback or mistake, remember Jobs’ words: “Some mistakes will be made along the way. That’s good, because at least some decisions are being made.”
Embrace those moments, fix what needs fixing, and keep moving forward. Success is just around the corner.
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