Given Mr. Jobs’s communications acuity, it’s no surprise his resignation letter tells a crisp and understated story.
Here’s the text of the letter in its entirety:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
Unlike those horrid Toyota letters, you can tell Steve wrote this letter without lawyers at his side.
Like the way he closes on the topic of friendship.
No doubt, he anticipated that the words would make their way to the masses.
If I was going to quibble, it would be that the word “hereby” seems out of place.
But all in all, it’s a well-crafted letter that illustrates the power of “less is more.”