And so it is in life and work that passion is often an ephemeral and inconstant thing. People in the throes of intense emotions can achieve remarkable things. But their passions can also turn destructive. Most often, this sort of emotional intensity cannot be sustained, and deep commitment is followed by periods of disillusion or disengagement accompanied by low productivity.

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But in most situations, I prefer to see not a passionate group but a professional one. Professionals are always engaged with their projects and enjoy their work and colleagues — or at least tolerate them with equanimity. Professionalism is the work equivalent of impeccable manners. It is reliable and steady, and does not depend on the compelling nature of a project or the charisma of a leader. Professionals always get a job done. The passionate may or may not.