“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

— Steve Jobs

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“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

(February 24 , 1955 -- October 5 , 2011)
Origin: American
Meaning
This quote challenges individuals to set the highest possible standards for themselves and their teams, serving as a living example of what is possible. It highlights the strategic insight that a culture of excellence is rare and must be actively cultivated through personal accountability. In modern workplaces, where "good enough" is often the default, this advice is a call to action for leaders to demand more from themselves and others. People share this today to advocate for higher standards in design, engineering, and service. Steve Jobs was known for his uncompromising "reality distortion field," where he pushed employees to achieve things they thought were impossible by expecting nothing less than perfection. It offers practical advice to be the person who raises the bar in any group or organization. This mindset lesson is a reminder that true influence comes from being the benchmark for quality in your field.
Steve Jobs
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Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

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This quote is attributed to Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and…

This quote challenges individuals to set the highest possible standards for themselves and their teams, serving as a living example of what is possible. It highlights the strategic insight that a culture of excellence is rare and must be actively cultivated through personal accountability. In modern workplaces, where "good enough" is often the default, this advice is a call to…

The wording and attribution are documented at en.wikiquote.org. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.

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