In a candid interview, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, was asked how he would have differed from Steve Jobs as Apple’s CEO. His response? "I would have been a lot nicer to people." Yet, he quickly added that under his gentler leadership, the groundbreaking Macintosh might never have been created.
Steve Jobs was notorious for his demanding and uncompromising nature, often pushing people to their limits to achieve perfection. Many found him difficult to work with, and it's likely that Apple missed out on some talent because of his demeanor. However, this relentless pursuit of excellence was integral to building one of the world’s most iconic brands and successful companies.
For those running small businesses (vs. the enterprise builders like Jobs), this level of intensity might not be necessary, but it is clear that too many business owners and/or CEOs tolerate far too much from too many people: employees, vendors, clients, and others.
Consider Tony Soprano from HBO's acclaimed series. Many viewers secretly admired his unwavering resolve, his refusal to tolerate any form of disrespect. While we certainly don't endorse his methods, in the realm of cybersecurity, every leader needs to embody a similar, tough-as-nails attitude.
This toughness directly impacts your business security. If you fail to stand firm and protect your organization, you will be taken advantage of. There are individuals with their own agendas who won't hesitate to exploit your hard work for their gain. Cybercriminals, in particular, aim to infiltrate your network, steal your profits, and compromise your data, risking everything you've built.
As the leader of your organization, you must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards such threats. Vigilance and proactive measures are essential to safeguard your business. Implementing robust security protocols is non-negotiable to prevent malicious actors from accessing your network. If a cyber-attack occurs, you will bear the brunt of the blame, and the repercussions could be devastating.
While it’s important to be tough, it's equally crucial to foster innovation and propel your company forward. Adopting the best strategies and practices, including comprehensive cybersecurity measures, is key to protecting your achievements. All your hard work can be undone with a single careless click if you don't anticipate and mitigate potential threats.
To stay ahead of cybercriminals and ensure your business remains secure, schedule a 15-Minute Discovery Call with our team for a free Cyber Security Risk and IT Optimization Assessment. We’ll conduct a thorough analysis of your network, identify vulnerabilities, and provide a comprehensive action plan to address them. This assessment will give you the confidence to focus on what you do best—growing your business.
Click here to book your call now or give us a call at 281-646-1200.
