Reflections on Apple's Keynote 2012

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple closed this year's keynote with this statement:  

"Only apple can make such amazing hardware, software, and services.  We are so proud of these products as they are perfect examples of what Apple does best.  And ultimately its why people choose to work for and with Apple: to do the very best work of their lives.  To create products that empower people to do great things, to make a difference in the lives of so many people around the world.  The products we make, combined with the apps you create, can fundamentally change the world...and really I can't think of a better reason to get up in the morning."

This makes me want to work at Apple, and I know nothing about coding, software and hardware development, computer manufacturing, etc.  Maybe they'll hire me as a chaplain...that would be sweet.

But think about what he said.   When is the last time you heard your CEO, or even your direct supervisor, say something so inspiring?

If you take out the references to Apple in the statement Cook made you'll get something like this:

"Only we can make this stuff, and its the best there is.  This is why people choose to work for and with us.  We empower them to do the most meaningful work of their lives, so they can fundamentally change the world and the people that live in it.  This is why we get up in the morning."

What a mission statement for any company, organization, team, ministry, or church!  It calls us to go beyond just doing a job or an occupation, it's a call to passion, to something we MUST do.

This is what leadership is about, paving the way to empower people to create amazing, new, world changing things.  Isn't that what we all want to do?  Did any of us grow up dreaming of doing something lame, boring, safe, or mediocre?  No!  When we were kids we wanted to be super heroes.  We wanted to be special, to change the world.

Just because we don't wear a cape and spandex to work doesn't mean we can't change the world.  All it takes is the courage to not be afraid anymore, to step up to the plate and swing for the fences.

Question: How can you empower the people you lead to carry out a vision like this?