Jul 2016: Passionate about what you do? Or do you wish you were?

by | Jul 28, 2016 | Articles

Authenticity and credibility, voice at the table, leaning in, and don’t forget, leaning out. These are, of course, just some of the key phrases that have shaped the leadership discourse in recent years. Endlessly flourished during debates about how to improve one’s chances of leadership, the terms have become, dare I suggest, just a little over-used?

So, when working with women (and yes, men) in the analysis of individual leadership styles, and how a gracious leadership mantle might be constructed, we often begin the conversation with passion. Sounds racier than it is because this simply means asking our client one question:

“Are you passionate about what you do?”

To ignite the discussion, we consider leaders, both past and present, who have had great passion for their leadership roles.

Take Elizabeth I, for example. Hers is an example of sixteenth century feminine leadership that retains a poignant relevance to our own time.

Refusing to be bullied into marriage, Elizabeth also refused to allow her childlessness to impact perceptions of her leadership. She ruled in a patriarchal culture, supported by principles that never faltered. Her personal motto, “semper eadem”, reflected this constancy. She consecrated her queenship to twin passions: the welfare of her people and the peace of the realm.

 

Elizabeth was spectacularly successful.

I would suggest that the moment you bring passion into the modern conversation about leadership, you create a compelling template for changes that may yield dramatic success. The effect is akin to a crackling charge of electrical current passing through an otherwise static cable.

I am not saying that leadership terminology is irrelevant nor unimportant, but it has obscured the bigger picture that must surely include both the ingredients and catalysts for good leadership.

Examining your passion for a professional vocation, passion for projects or passion for those you are leading, are not bad places to start.  From there you can build a leadership profile based on the skills you already possess, and those you might need to acquire. Take a blank journal, fill it with challenging questions and you may discover answers that are enlightening.

It is remarkable how conversations with women who are trying to define what kind of leadership roles they want, and above all, the kind of leaders they wish to become, are enriched by a dialogue about passion. It can even lead to career re-evaluation.

One of our clients actually migrated from banking into the UN and microfinance as a consequence of examining her career through the lens of passion.

She has, incidentally, never been happier.

So, over to you: what is your passion?  Does it animate your work and inspire you, every day?

If the answer is a resounding “no”, then it might be time to ask yourself some very tough questions. Passion truly brings purpose and the ability to soar.

Without it, we are left staring at a jumble of letters in the leadership puzzle and believe me, they spell frustration.

Come on: it’s time to fly!