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Definition: An RDF is a phenomenon where an individual’s intellectual abilities, persuasion skills, and persistence make others believe in the possibility of achieving very difficult tasks. In Jobs’s case, it was his ability to convince himself and those around him to believ
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e almost anything, using a mix of charm, charisma, bravado, marketing, and persistence.
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Steve Jobs and the RDF: Jobs’s RDF distorted his co-workers’ sense of proportion and scales of difficulties. He could make them believe that seemingly impossible tasks were achievable. For instance, during the development of the Macintosh computer in 1984, he asked an engineer to reduce the boot time by 10 seconds. When told it wasn’t possible, Jobs challenged, “If it would save a person’s life, could you find a way?” The engineer succeeded, shaving off 28 seconds from the boot time.
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Legacy: The term has been used to describe Jobs’s keynote speeches (“Stevenotes”) and has become part of Apple lore. It’s both admired and derided by observers and competitors alike. Bill Gates even talked about Jobs using his RDF to “cast spells” on people, although Gates considered himself immune to it.
The reality distortion field showcases the power of persuasion, charisma, and unwavering belief in achieving the seemingly impossible. As you critically evaluate forecasts, keep this concept in mind—it’s a reminder of how influential individuals can shape perceptions and outcomes.