CarbonStated

Today, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced he will be taking a medical leave of absence until June ’09 due to some “more complex” health issues (confirming what everyone already knew). This news arrives weeks after Jobs made a statement saying his weight loss was due to a “hormone imbalance” and that everything is under control. Job’s health concerns resurfaced last year when an extra “thin” Steve debuted the extra “thin” MacBook Air at Macworld ’08.

Steve is very cautious about releasing information regarding his health (see pancreatic cancer) and it’s giving everyone a scare. As the rock star of the technology industry, Apple appears to needs Jobs like a lineman needs a meatball sub. For whatever reason Apple’s board continues to let mystery surround Jobs and his health issues, letting the stock take a big hit every time a new rumor surfaces. A person’s health is a private matter except when you are the CEO of Apple.

In my opinion, Apple should move while it is at the height of its game and ask Steve to step down as CEO while retaining him as a strategic consultant (don’t get me wrong, I love Steve and am indebted to him forever for his wonderful gadgetry). This would give Jobs a chance to focus on his health without being questioned at every corner.  Sure, there would be a huge short-term shock. Investors would be terrified and the stock would plummet. Zune lovers everywhere (are there any Zune lovers?) would rejoice. The other Steve (Ballmer) would tell his “WEBDEVELOPERS!” full speed ahead. But let’s face it, Apple functions in a corporate world that revolves around investor's expectations. The actions of a CEO can either bolster or diminish the value of a company (believe me, I know). I think investors expect Jobs to have some major health problems. If he truly does, Apple should either confirm this once and for all or let it be their downfall.

Steve stepping down can’t be that bad with Apple’s operations guru Tim Cook heir apparent to the throne. So what, maybe he isn’t as creative. His operational prowess has allowed Apple to basically knock on people’s doors and take their money. Anyone who thinks Apple’s success is based solely off a good product and smart marketing is wrong. Lowering costs while maintaining high profit margins is the name of the technology game. Earlier adopters are willing to pay a premium for new gadgets but the rest of the world isn’t. If they can reduce the cost of a laptop by $300, but then lower the price by $200, everyone wins.

As micro managerial as Jobs is reported to be, I think the company has created an image and a path forward that a blind monkey could follow. With Apple revolutionizing several different industries they have learned what works (iPod, iPhone & iTunes) and what doesn’t (Apple TV, G4 Cube & Newton). It’s time for the rest of the stars at Apple to show what they're made of. For better or for worse, it will happen soon – Will Apple do it on their terms or someone elses?