Do passionate visionary types have to be jerks?

I confess to the fact that I have become a rabid Apple fan over the last decade. It’s the fault of a close friend who’s a graphic artist that persuaded me to get a MacBook Pro over 7 years ago. My life hasn’t been the same as I have come to appreciate my iPhone, iPad, Mac Air and iMac.  I am also someone who is older and understand the power of passion when it is directed in a constructive fashion. My question as I have been involved with doing community work over the last decade is why do most passion people end being up jerks that brutalize those around them. (This seems to be a common trait in the business world, non-profit and church world also.)

I admit that I went and saw the JOBS movie before seeing the Butler. Yes, the Butler movie is much better and shows a great deal of U.S. history that we all should be ashamed of because there weren’t enough passion types for civil rights in the White House. I’ve read a lot about Steve Jobs and Bill Gates over the last year but have also looked at the civil rights movement and different individuals who were willing to ultimately lay down their lives for their passion.  I definitely see the benefit of someone who is willing to never give up when human rights are at the center.

I am not the most creative person but attempt to learn from those around me that have more ability to bring life to pen, paper and video. I know that my passion can persuade people to get involved with making a difference in the life of another and see the implications of becoming a giver instead of being all about yourself. I know that my hope is to help those who are broken and forgotten have a sense of purpose and belonging. Those who have much my hope is to push them to do something with their lives that really matters, ala TOMS.

The challenge I see is that most people who are passionate and have vision aren’t always the easiest to be around and follow. The JOBS move reinforced the fact that Steve Jobs was really a jerk whose passions meant that his friends who helped him birth Apple were viewed as minions because they weren’t key leaders. It was also devastating to see someone who you might idolize be a failure as a dad to a daughter whom you birthed. My purpose in writing isn’t to attack the mega leaders of today but realize that even the little guy, you or me, can learn how to be passionate but in a way that draws people together for a purpose that is capable of doing great things without putting people into boxes for the rest of their lives, i.e. you are a failure or you are a rock star for the day.

I know that those who are passionate perfectionists won’t settle for anything less than what they believe to be the best and this will leave collateral damage around them. So there will be a tension between those that are passionate doers and those that are along for the ride. I recently read a book by Bill Gates Senior that showed the flesh and bone side to the Bill Gates the billionaire. The simple message of this book is that often there is a mom, dad or grandparent that has been the inspiration for someone who does end up being a game changer who influences many.  So now is a great time to discover your passion in life! Do something that makes a difference and leaves a legacy.