Tim Cook Says Youll Never Feel Ready, But Its OK - The Muse

Tim Cook Says Youll Never Feel Ready, But Its OK - The MuseTim Cook Says Youll Never Feel Ready, But Its OK Tim Cook stands at the helm of one of the largest and most valuable public companies in the world. Hes been the CEO of Apple for nearly eight years, but he didnt feel ready for the job when he took it on, he told the class of 2019 at Stanford University on Sunday, June 16, and thats to be expected.Your mentors may leave you prepared, but they cant leave you ready, he told graduates. Its a lesson he learned firsthand when he took the reins from his predecessor, Steve Jobs, just weeks before Jobs died. By then Cook had already put in more than a decade at the company, with six of them spent as COO, but the transition was nevertheless a difficult one. When Steve got sick, I had hardwired my thinking to the belief that he would get better. I bedrngnis only thought he would hold on, I was convinced down to my core that hed still be guiding Apple long after I myself was gone, Cook sa id. When he was gone, truly gone, I learned the real visceral difference between preparation and readiness. It was the loneliest Ive ever felt in my life by an order of magnitude.People were watching and their expectations were high. Cook could sense as much. When the dust platzsettled, all I knew was that I was going to have to be the best version of myself that I could be, he said. He also knew, however, that if you got out of bed every morning and set your watch by what other people expect or demand itll drive you crazy.Its only fitting that this was a lesson that came from Jobs, who famously told Stanfords class of 2005 that your time is limited, so dont waste it living someone elses life. Standing in the same spot 14 years later, Cook paid homage to his own mentor, who left him prepared but not ready, yet certain that he should forge his own path instead of hewing to others expectations or blindly emulating those who came before him.Here was a giant in the world of business and technology admitting to the world how daunting it was to take on that role and reminding everyone else how normal it is to feel that way. No matter what field youre in or what next step youre embarking on, moving up is not only exciting, but also intimidating. Your bosses and mentors can teach and guide you, but then its your job to learn from your own experiences and develop your own way forward. Graduates, the fact is when your time comes- and it will- youll never be ready. But youre not supposed to be, Cook said. Find the hope in the unexpected. Find the courage in the challenge. Find your vision on the solitary road.He urged people to spend their time creating and building in service of some greater cause they believe in. That, presumably, is what will help guide you even when youre not sure youre ready for what lies ahead- and help you face the challenge with integrity. While Cooks speech offered comfort and encouragement for anyone figuring out their path, it also came with a warning. Too many seem to think that good intentions excuse away harmful outcomes, but whether you like it or not, what you build and what you create define who you are, he said. If you want to take credit, first learn to take responsibility. In other words, fear is natural, but that doesnt mean you can be careless. So when you dont feel ready, remember that even a famous CEO felt that way too. His advice? Let yourself chart your own course, have the courage to think things through, and take responsibility as readily as you take credit.