A longtime Pixar executive who collaborated closely with Steve Jobs reveals the standout skill that defined his leadership: the ability to ask penetrating questions. This trait, honed over the years, helped Jobs inspire innovation and drive success at both Apple and Pixar, leaving a lasting mark.
The Power of Probing Questions
Pamela Kerwin, a Pixar veteran and former executive vice president, worked with Jobs during his tenure as the studio’s chairman and majority owner after he bought it in 1986. In a recent interview, she highlighted Jobs’ knack for asking incisive, thought-provoking questions. “Steve didn’t just accept the first answer,” Kerwin said. “He’d dig deeper—‘Why this? What if we tried that?’—pushing us to rethink assumptions and find better solutions.”
Sparking Creativity
This skill shone at Pixar, where Jobs championed a culture of excellence. His questions challenged animators, writers, and tech teams to elevate films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. At Apple, the same approach birthed groundbreaking products like the iPhone. By questioning the status quo, Jobs uncovered hidden potential, blending tech and artistry in revolutionary ways.
A Leadership Lesson
Kerwin notes this wasn’t about having all the answers. Instead, Jobs’ curiosity and persistence set him apart. He’d probe workflows, designs, and strategies, forcing teams to justify choices and stretch their thinking. “It could be intense, but it made us sharper,” she recalled. Data backs this up: a 2024 Harvard study found that leaders who ask strong questions boost team innovation by 35%.
Applying the Skill
For aspiring leaders, Kerwin suggests emulating Jobs by embracing curiosity. Ask “why” and “what if” to challenge norms, listen actively to responses, and foster open dialogue. Whether in tech, creative fields, or beyond, this approach can unlock breakthroughs and build stronger teams.
Jobs’ Legacy
Steve Jobs, who passed in 2011, left a blueprint for leadership. His question-driven style, as seen through Kerwin’s lens, wasn’t just about control—it was about igniting potential. That skill, simple yet profound, cemented his greatness at Pixar and beyond.