The way Steve Jobs resigned shows his personal  as a leader and innovator. He handed in his resignation and said humbly that the day's most shining and most innovative in the history of Apple has been waiting for.
Following his resignation letter:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Some analysts think that Steve Jobs persona is difficult to surpass by Tim Cook. However, other analysts believe that Cook was the right person to replace Jobs.