Think Like a Leader
There is always a degree of ambiguity when we think about passionate leaders. We recognise that those with no passion can appear detached and unconcerned about their business. But we also know that the over-passionate leader can be myopic and lack caution. Like many leadership traits passion needs balance!
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Feel Like a Leader
Passion implies an energetic and committed leader. We certainly won’t always feel like that, but it can be cultivated and developed. We need to be active and involved in the work of our organisation and the care of our people.
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Act Like a Leader
Passion is infectious – just as apathy is. Acting as a passionate leader can enhance your leadership position. It should be visible inside and outside the organisation. Look at what excites you in your organisation and be proud of what you do.
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One of the most passionate speakers I have heard at a conference was Guy Kawasaki who was one of the early Apple employees responsible for the promotion of the Macintosh computers. I recall him saying that when you start believing your own hype it is time to go! His podcast series on ‘Remarkable People’ interviews passionate people from many backgrounds. A good example is the Dunkin Donuts story.
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Michelle Ray believes there is a significant difference between leaders who lead with their title and leaders who lead with passion. She describes 12 traits.
- Passionate leaders rise above naysayers.
- Passionate leaders have a profound understanding of people.
- Passionate leaders are outstanding communicators.
- Passionate leaders have clarity of vision.
- Passionate leaders see opportunity in adversity.
- Passionate leaders are fuelled by positive energy.
- Passionate leaders have compassion.
- Passionate leaders are resourceful.
- Passionate leaders anticipate rather than react.
- Passionate leaders take action.
- Passionate leaders are lifelong learners.
- Passionate leaders believe in themselves.
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Here’s a man who says, ‘Don’t follow your passion’. Mike Rowe is a US based broadcaster well known for exploring what it is like to be doing dirty jobs – with the well-recognised catchphrase, ‘Somebody’s gotta to do it’. A good piece to make you think.
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This view from the dining room of the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe looks across to ‘Buachaille Etive Mòr’- the herdsman of Etive. The new hotel, built on the same site as Inns dating back to the early 18th Century, is surrounded by striking views.
Designers are often passionate about their work and this fits that category. Incidentally, the little lights are not tree lanterns but rather the interior lights reflecting on the glass!
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Delivering Happiness A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by the late Tony Hsieh was published by Business Plus in 2010.
Hseih died recently in a house fire but had packed so much into his life. Not only did he start a successful business, he became a multi-millionaire when he sold it to Amazon when he was just 24. Hseih became a significant activist and donor to the revitalisation of downtown Las Vegas. This is the story of his life and career.
Available from Waterstones.
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You Don’t Get Motion Without Friction #60
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...without a little reflection, there is no Insight Added.
"Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what he loves."
Blaine Pascal
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Lead well
Graham and Lesley
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