In the April 17, 2012 Fast Company.com Magazine there was a segment on great quotes from Steve Jobs. I read an insight on sustaining effort over the long term, which I enjoyed very much.

Steve Jobs said,

“Fortunately, my training has been in doing things that take a long time. You know? I was at Apple 10 years. I would have preferred to be there the rest of my life. So I’m a long-term kind of person. I have been trained to think in units of time that are measured in several years. With what I’ve chosen to do with my life, you know, even a small thing takes a few years. To do anything of magnitude takes at least five years, more likely seven or eight. Rightfully or wrongfully, that’s how I think.”

What a great insight on the importance of a business leader staying focused. Don’t be consumed by the week or the quarter. Be consumed with creating significant and lasting value, regardless of how long it takes.