The article discusses the concept that significant innovation often necessitates disappointing certain audiences—something demonstrated by Apple's headphone jack removal decision in 2016. Despite initial backlash, this move paved the way for the acceptance of wireless technology. Leadership requires the acceptance that as impact grows, the capacity to disappoint increases as well, particularly in tech where leaders must predict market needs. This is exemplified by Netflix's transition from DVD to streaming, which initially cost subscribers but ultimately secured its industry-leading position.
When Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, the backlash was immediate and fierce. Tech reviewers called it 'user-hostile and stupid.' Customers created petitions. Competitors ran ads mocking the decision.
This isn't the leadership advice you typically hear. We're told to inspire, to build consensus, to bring everyone along. But an uncomfortable truth lurks beneath these platitudes: as your impact grows, so does your capacity to disappoint others.
After supporting a friend whose first book had become unexpectedly successful, she explained that 'success is full of failures, at least in the eyes of others, who want things from you, more of them wanting more than you can ever deliver.'
When announced in 2011, the company lost 800,000 subscribers and its stock plummeted 77%. Today, that disappointing decision looks like the defining move that secured Netflix's future.
Collection
[
|
...
]