Ready to Truly Lead? Become a Passionate Leader

The word “passion,” as defined by the dictionary, is any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. It is my belief that when any great leader (or leadership strategy) is examined, positive energy and passion will be found. This is true not only for this industry, but for ALL industries.

Passion that is channeled in a positive direction is an incredibly powerful force. Many of the greatest visionaries (think Walt Disney, FDR, MLK, etc.) possessed great passion as part of their leadership strategy. This is one of the many reasons why people were so motivated by these leaders and so willing to follow them.

Leaders with such passion gladly work countless hours, work against all odds and obstacles, and successfully use their passion to achieve overall objectives. Do you know such leaders? Have you seen such leadership in action? These individuals find a solution behind each problem and an opportunity behind each objection.

I have seen this (as I am sure you have as well)—and it is powerful to observe. This type of passion is exciting and contagious. This type of passion is fun. You see, the leaders of the print and promo and related industries, who operate with tremendous enthusiasm, excitement and, yes, passion are the ones growing in such a way that when they have a “bad year,” it is on par with others in the industry’s “good years.”

People want to feel alive. They want to be inspired. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Do you have this type of passion? I cannot imagine following any leader who does not have passion as a key aspect of their leadership philosophy. First, they would bore me. Second, they would cause me to lower my energy level and, finally, they would make me worry as to why they were not more excited about both the present and the future.

If you don’t have such passion or are part of an organization that lacks it, ask yourself why you/they don’t have it and how it might be obtained. There is no better time than heading into a new year to become passionate in all that you say and do. I closed my most recent book, “Would You Buy from You?”, by saying there were four key characteristics (PACT) that must be part of the sales process. “Passion” was the first word and “trust” was the last one. This was not an accident. I was passionate about the order.

Have a great week!