Having introduced the genius behind the iPod (and much more) yesterday, we can now check why Steve Jobs may be a bad model. Jobs is a school dropout, a perfectionist, a maniac for secrecy, an intimidating boss and a blunt negotiator that knows no limits.

1. Steve is a school dropout
When in doubt about his college course, he simply decided to call it quits!

2. Steve intimidates his people
It is difficult to work for a genius. If he acknowledges you have an IQ of more than 100, it’s a compliment indeed! He can be very rude and turn any discussion into a fight. No wonder people (even high level managers) try to avoid him. Everyone at Apple is in constant fear of losing their employment.
The team are heroes one moment and assholes the next. It’s a roller-coaster with Steve.

3. Only perfection is good enough for Steve
Forget “but we have tried”. The level of perfection Steve Jobs demands is stunning. This control freak deeply cares even about things that a user will not normally see (like the inside of the computer). He demands endless numbers of prototypes and different alternatives that he personally vetoes. Even the way you open a box with your latest Apple gadget is essential to him!
This perfectionism delays new products and drives employees mad.

4. Steve is secretive to the extreme
Jobs will fire or punish anyone who shares anything about Apple’s upcoming products (God forbid you expose Steve’s personal life!). The top-secret approach means less product testing and can lead to unexpected problems.

5. Steve will do everything to get what he needs or wants
The end justifies any means for Steve Jobs. He will manipulate anyone to get what he needs (or wants).

However, we could use the very same headings to present Jobs as a role model - more on that tomorrow, together with a chance to cast your vote.

The Steve Jobs series:
- Part I: achievements
- Part III: role model