Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.

In this quote, Steve Jobs emphasizes the importance of setting high standards and striving for excellence in everything you do. He encourages individuals to be a yardstick of quality, meaning that one should embody the highest standards and expectations of performance, setting an example for others to follow. Jobs believed that excellence should not be an afterthought but a foundational principle, one that should be consistently upheld in both work and life.

Jobs also acknowledges that many people are not accustomed to environments where excellence is the norm. For some, settling for mediocrity may be the standard, and they might be uncomfortable or unprepared for a setting that demands high performance. In this context, Jobs challenges individuals and organizations to create an atmosphere where quality is expected and celebrated, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

The origin of this quote can be traced back to Jobs’s leadership style at Apple, where he continually pushed his teams to innovate and exceed conventional expectations. His commitment to quality and innovation was not just about creating groundbreaking products, but about cultivating a culture that demanded nothing less than the best. Jobs believed that in order to achieve extraordinary results, everyone must embrace the expectation of excellence in everything they do.

Ultimately, this quote highlights Jobs's philosophy of leadership, which focused on setting the highest standards and fostering an environment where excellence was not just encouraged but expected. By leading by example and creating a culture that upheld these values, Jobs helped to shape one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. The message serves as a reminder that quality and excellence are essential components of success, and they must be a part of the foundation of any organization or individual’s work ethic.