Steve Jobs and Father Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta were both exemplary leaders. In just 35 years, Steve Jobs took Apple Computers from a mere idea to a $380 billion dollar enterprise. Father Arizmendiarrieta educated and aided the first founders of the Mondragón Cooperative that today employs more than 80 000 people. Great achievements from two man who simply cannot be defined by any one “textbook” leadership style. It appears that in real life leadership theories may be applied in synergy, allowing the flexibility for a leader to adapt their style as the situation requires. Whilst Steve Jobs and Father Arizmendiarrieta were both effective leaders, one stands out. Father Arizmendiarrieta led a population to self-sufficiency and whilst never the vast financial success of Apple, Mondragón’s continuing existence is the legacy of a truly superior leader. Five theories; trait, behaviours, power motives, charismatic and transformational leadership will be discussed in turn, each one examining the similarities and/or differences Steve Jobs and Father Arizmendiarrieta displayed and how these differences made Father Arizmendiarrieta the more outstanding leader.

Trait leadership is one of the original leadership theories and has resurfaced recently with Zaccaro (2006) arguing that traits and attributes combined, can be a significant predictor of leadership ability. Personality traits can be divided into general and task related traits (Dubrin 2013, pp. 37-50). Effective leaders display general traits of self-confidence, humility, core self-evaluations, trustworthiness, enthusiasm, optimism and warmth, authenticity, assertiveness and extraversion. It cannot be argued that Steve Jobs displayed these qualities. Significant research, often by other recognised leaders, cites these core qualities. Sander (2012) provides numerous examples of how Steve Jobs’ enthusiasm,