Steve Jobs. RIP

He certainly was a game changer. And a visionary. And a bold leader. And a shrewd businessman.
But with the media all charged up today, and for days to come I'm sure, planting the seeds for his early entrance into the immortal Garden of the Greats, I'm inclined to reflect on the unsung side of the story. And not to take anything away from the value of his influence and accomplishments--but to acknowledge that such accomplishments are never achieved without vast armies of dedicated and highly skilled workers who are the ones who turn dreams and visions into reality. Of course we all know that, and it goes without saying most of the time...and that's my point...it usually goes without saying, and I want to say it.

This occurs to me more and more now that I have become firmly ensconced as a soldier in one of those armies. Ten years ago I pretty much left behind any thoughts or possibilities for membership in the "ownership" club within my industry as I proved to myself and others that I had little aptitude and even less interest in the business side of things and never was particularly happy or comfortable spending my days playing with the numbers related to financial profit and loss. I started as a writer, and after multiple forays moving up the executive ladder in various places I returned to what I liked best which was writing and editing...albeit as a manager of others as well due to my accumulated experience and performance in such functions over 20 years.
And I've come to appreciate more and more the outstanding talents and skills of all those who daily and routinely are charged with the responsibility of turning big ideas and big visions into tangible reality. Yes, there are those at the top who see a light go on over their head that tells them the time is right for something like...FILL IN THE BLANK ...and it is to their credit that they find the wherewithal and determination to see that vision fulfilled. But that wherewithal always includes the amassing of an army of skilled professionals...and those who do battle day in and day out are the one's who truly determine the final outcome.

So, yes. Steve Jobs was a truly extraordinary man with truly extraordinary talents and abilities. And all I'm saying is, yes he certainly was...just like millions and millions of others.