what would steve do?

Many Christian people have key chains or pendants with the letters "WWJD" on them. This stands for "what would Jesus do?".

The essential choice any of us have in each moment is: "what decision creates the most value?". WWJD is one a way that Christians tap into that value question, by invoking the presence of greatness in the process of making decisions and determining direction, particularly in times of moral quandary or ambiguity or uncertainty. The question seems to tap into a very complex value structure in a very simple way.

There is a secular version of the question that is very useful. For the past few months I've been designing a coaching app that will see it's way onto my iPad and iPhone. I have a tendency to make things overly complicated and I really admire Apple for its approach to everything. When Apple first introduced laptops they created a blockbuster product. Then came the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad–all blockbusters. When Apple opened its retails stores they eventually became the most successful retail operation on the basis of dollars per square foot. It's rare for a company to have even one blockbuster. I admire how Apple approaches innovation and I admire the leadership of Steve Jobs, as they both seek the ultimate simplicity of form and function.

The question "what would Apple do?" captures a complex Gestalt of philosophies, mindsets, processes and methodologies in a simple way that provides immense guidance in times of moral quandary or ambiguity or uncertainty.

It's possible to design that question using the inspiration of any great person.

One of our clients is rebuilding his business and for direction he is looking at three people he greatly admires: Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet and Clint Eastwood. He his imagining what a business would be like if those three men went into partnership.

Next time I'm stuck, all I have to do is think about someone I greatly admire and ask what they would do in the same situation. The person could be someone I know or don't know, someone famous or not famous, someone real or fictional (from literature or film.) What follows is an inspiration to guide me to the next level.

For assistance when you are stuck, go to http://www.stepup.net/ for guidance.