I have been watching the panel with Bill Gates and Steve Jobs at this year’s 5th rendition of the D: All Things Digital Conference.
I initially expected to see Jobs and Gates pitted against each other in a battle of wits. The popular idea everyone has of these two tech titans is that they hate each other. I must say that the way they acted on stage was surprising. Thinking about it a bit more I realize they are probably friends who are actively engaged in a healthy competition.
Both Jobs and Steve are extremely wealthy and they technically don’t have to work another day in their lives. However, both these men sit down at their desks each day because they love what they do, they have legacies to leave behind and their work isn’t done.
To survive and leave your mark you don’t need to hate your competition. I can’t imagine being an ethical businessman if I have to hate competitors. Competition sets a precedent and it furthers society as a whole. Technology wouldn’t advance at the rate it does if there was no competition between inovators.
I believe that if you are good at what you do, love what you do, and look for learning opportunities all the time, only then will be successful and enjoy your job at the same time. Many people are successful and probably hate their jobs. I doubt many love their jobs and barely survive.