IT'S ABOUT LEVERAGE
IT'S ABOUT LEVERAGE
Sent: 12/22/96; 9:29:32 PM
From: stuart_brannan@tvo.org (Stuart Brannan)
I may not know anything about the software industry, but I have been involved in enough corporate turnarounds in Canada to know that your comments about Steve Jobs involvement in the Apple/Next transaction are dead on. Apple has no hooks to ensure his ongoing commitment, he has cashed out.
This reflects one thing, Jobs had what Apple needed, and he knew that they had to do a deal by January. That gave him enormous negotiating leverage, enought to ensure that he got a more than fair price for Next, and enough to ensure that he didn't HAVE to be personally involved in Apple's fortunes.
Personally I think Jobs has enough emotional investment in Apple, even after so many years, that he will want to give them the best advice he can. But you are right, without a financial stake in Apple's future, he can afford to be reckless if it suits him.
I am not convinced that all of this is bad. Apple been led astray in the past by self-aggrandized visionaries. In fact, one of Amelio's greatest assets is that he doesn't come with baggage from Apple's past and he is perceived as being a modest, practical leader. Maybe keeping Jobs on the sidelines for advice, rather than sending him in to throw the winning touchdown is a sound tactical decision.
Happy Christmas
Stuart
www.globalserve.net/~stuart
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