megalomania |ˌmegəlōˈmānēə|

• delusion about one’s own power or importance (typically as a symptom of manic or paranoid disorder).
DERIVATIVES
megalomanic |-ˈmanik| |-ˈmanɪk| adjective

Quality control - it’s one of the most important aspects of any business that sells stuff, and Apple sells a lot of stuff ! In fact, it seems, Steve Jobs of Apple Computer is so obsessed with quality, he micro-manages everything, right down to the finest detail.

Allow me to elaborate.

I’ve just listened to this week’s ‘This Week in Tech‘, the podcast hosted by Leo Laporte. During said podcast, the issue of iTunes’ App Store was raised, and more specifically the madness that was the ‘Thousand Dollar App’. During the conversation it was mentioned that all applications are vetted by the CEO (so HE’S the one to blame!). I’m sorry, but what now? And that’s not all. It’s also been reported that things such as promotional T-Shirts are also checked by the turtle-neck clad boss.

If you’ve ever read any books on Steve Jobs (iCon for one) this will start to ring alarm bells. Back in his first stint at Apple, it wasn’t unheard of for Jobs to go on firing sprees, often for the smallest of reasons. Can anyone say ‘power trip’ ?

Now there’s no doubt that the guy’s done well. Since returning to Apple in the mid-90s, he’s turned Apple into a major player not only in the computer industry, but also the mobile audio and mobile phone markets.

Having said that, if the reports of being so ‘hands-on’ are true, what will happen when he’s gone? Storied of ill-health are already causing sleepless nights for Apple shareholders, and you can see why ! With the company seemingly so tied into Jobs, how do you replace him?

Have you heard any weird and wonderful stories of things going on at Apple? I’d love to hear them ! Or do you think I’m being too hard on the guy that gave us the iMac and iPhone? I’m already donning my flame-proof jacket !

For more info. on Jobs and his management style, check out his Wikipedia entry here