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MEMORANDUM

TO: Prof. Payal Mehra


From: Prachi Gupta
Date: November 04, 2013
Subject: Report on Business Leaders Bill Gates and Steve Jobs
I declare that this report is plagiarism free to the best of my knowledge. I hope that
this report meets the criteria as mentioned.
Sincerely,
Prachi Gupta
PGP29038

1. Analytical Summary
This report studies the approaches of the two pioneers of digital technology, Bill
Gates and Steve Jobs to business. The report highlights the fact, that even though
they had a lot of things in common, yet they adopted different methodologies to
achieve success and touch hearts of millions of people. The report represents a
contrasting leadership and communication style which though different yet was
formulated towards a common goal. Continuous focus on simplicity and an urge to
learn has enabled them to get to a position which is admired and looked up to by
the people.

2. Terms of Reference
This report compares and contrasts the methodologies adopted by the two
leaders, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs in the digital field.
The study also exhibits in figures of what these business leaders have
achieved over the years.

3. Introduction
3.1

Background

William Henry Bill Gates III, known worldwide for his entrepreneurial skills is the
current chairman of Microsoft, which is the largest software maker by revenues in
the world. In 2012, he was named the fourth most influential person in the world.
As an established programmer himself, he donates large sums of money to promote
scientific research programs. His interests extend to massive philanthropy through

leading the largest transparently operated charitable foundation in the world, Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation.
Steven Paul Steve Jobs was the co-founder of Apple Inc. and has been constantly
looked up to as the leader who brought about a personal computer revolution. He is
also the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and NeXT. He also played a major
role to bring to market the first widely available laser printer, LaserWriter. He has
received public recognition for the digital revolution and has been honored by the
names of legendary, design perfectionist and visionary.

3.2

Scope

This report provides a brief background of both the business leaders and
aims to find out the path they chose to stand where they currently are.
3.3

Key Objectives

The report aims to find out:

The success mantra of the top business leaders


Contrast between the leading business tycoons and find what it
takes to reach the top

4. Methods

This report focuses on three key areas:

Comparison of the leadership and communication style


The business approach of both the business leaders
The success mantra they followed to become pioneers in their field

5. Findings
5.1 Leadership styles
Bill Gates is an ultimate business man who is defined by his efficiency, opportunism
and competitiveness. The key value he learned from his parents was frugality which
is evident from hi s philanthropic endeavors. He continuously challenges his staff to
achieve the best out of them so that they can persuade him of their work. He
believes in constant improvisation of the existing codes and evolution of products.
He invariably follows the philosophy that Success is the best teacher.
Steve Jobs was committed to his vision and sought to achieve it with a lot of passion
and vigor. He always thought of Apple Inc. as a step to change the world. The
biggest point of difference he sought was to make products no competitor can
match which are aptly reflected in the motto of Apple Inc. Think Different.

5.2 Communication styles


Bill Gates indulges into communication style which is both engaging and humorous.
He keeps his presentation simple and visual and inspires people with whats
possible. He believes the presentation should be very engaging and connect to
people to make an impact enough to get the people to take an action.
Steve Jobs believes in communicating the product in three acts; 1. Create the story;
2. Deliver the experience; 3. Refine and rehearse. When Jobs gave a presentation,
he shared a vision with the people, telling them a well-crafted story which
connected him to the masses.

5.3 Business Approach


Bill Gates has always taken a disciplined approach towards software to view it as a
platform for plethora of business opportunities. With the help of a careful market
research and identifying the needs of the people, he capitalized on the holes which
led him to success. He always believes in working with strong partners and help
them succeed on their terms and not on his own.
Steve Jobs always released very high-end innovative products in the market which
appealed to masses. He always strived to combine art and technology to provide an
ultimate user-experience. Also, he always employed employees who love their work
to get unmatched products to the market.

5.4 Success Mantras


Bill Gates: Never stop learning
Steve Jobs: Focus and Simplicity
Exhibit 5.4.1 Percentage of total internet usage, by Windows version

Source: NetMarketShare.com

Exhibit 5.4.2 Cumulative app downloads from Apples App store (in Millions)

Source: Apple

6. Conclusion
Both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates created products which were not only in line with
their vision but were also representative of the types they wanted to use
themselves and an experience they valued. They adapted to changes quickly to
develop products which were affordable and easy to use. However, Bill Gates vision
was to appeal to the business audience while Steve Jobs vision was to roll a product
which would appeal to masses.

7. References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_gates
http://www.scribd.com/doc/16315025/Leadership-Style-of-Billgates
http://www.biography.com/people/bill-gates-9307520
http://www.biography.com/people/steve-jobs-9354805

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