Leading With Passion
Nov 22, 2022
“True passion will naturally draw out feelings and connections with others.”
How many people do you know who are truly passionate about their job? Probably not very many! Sadly, it’s a fact of life for many, because most people are not doing what they are truly passionate about.
I was one of the lucky ones. I made a career out of law enforcement by choice and passion. I can remember when I first started working and that I was truly surprised that I got paid to do what I loved! My mom had always told me, “Son, if you love your job, you won’t work a day in your life; but if you hate it, you’ll work every day.” Truly wise words.
So, how does one really begin to lead with passion? Well, it starts with you. When you are truly passionate about the job you do, that becomes apparent to those you lead and they end up wanting that for themselves! Enthusiasm is something you cannot fake and is something that is truly infectious. To be passionate as a leader requires you to ask yourself some serious questions. Here are just a few:
- Am I passionate about what I do?
- Would I do this if I didn’t have to?
- What would I really like to be doing?
It’s important to understand that finding your life’s passion is paramount to discovering how to lead with passion. Too many of us hang on to positions we hate because it “pays the bills” and I totally get that! But what happens is that your lack of enthusiasm and passion often turns to cynicism and, in turn, becomes the vibe you give as a leader to your people. Finding your passion can happen even in a position for which you have lost your enthusiasm if you just focus on your mindset. Here are a few tips that have helped me over the years:
- Be realistic about finding ways to incorporate your passion into your current job and life and know that it won’t happen overnight.
- Take inventory of your life. Find out exactly where you are and how you can take steps to change things.
- Start with a “yes” attitude. Understand that you will be told by many that you “can’t” do it. Remember, your “yes” has to be stronger than their “no.”
- Find ways to incorporate your passion into your every day life. Start with small changes that are easy and that can be built upon. Get up 15 minutes earlier to read or workout. Above all, find a way to keep score with yourself! Make a chart in your journal and honestly track your habit changes.
- Develop a mature approach regarding your passion. Because it has the power and potential to alter your life in a positive way, embrace it and become serious about it.
Focus on these and give yourself at least 21 days to practice implementing these changes. You will begin to see changes in that short amount of time, for sure!
Have a great rest of the week!
- Dean
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