“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Traditional leadership has always rested on power and authority as the leading edge but true leaders inspire through passion – the power and authority are valuable by-products of passion.
To lead means compelling others to take action, to move them in some way to a greater cause, to follow a shared mission. A leader’s passion is the catalyst and the vision for what believers can hold onto and orient toward in a shared environment. Enthusiasm is the sticky glue that binds people in a way that information alone cannot.
Passion never dies – it will always fan the flames of possibility. To keep the passion fire burning, set the proverbial bar high enough that it’s a stretch but still perceived as accessible. See the horizon and position your team as being the best in actually reaching it. Believe it so others can too.
While infectious and profound, passion is not loud, vigorous support about something – it is the quiet embers of commitment that will smolder despite all the odds to keep the mission alive. It’s about believing when nobody is watching. It’s about having the conversations where others question it and including / addressing those points of view. And it’s about walking the talk personally for both credibility and to be a role model for others to follow.
Power comes naturally from the charisma of great leaders; passion is the inner fire in the belly that fuels power. Be passionate to stir your own motivation for living larger and to lead transformation in, for and with those around you.
© 2015 Donell Hill
About Donell Hill
Donell (“Donnie”) Hill believes that people are here on Earth to thrive and live a joyful life despite any circumstances that life brings them. He combines his life lessons until now with his Stanford University education, experiences as a Certified Cancer Journey Coach and Peer Health Educator, as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a professional actor to help mission-driven leaders maximize their impact and create a legacy that elevates the quality of life and well-being of all those they serve. After all, our collective future depends on your joy and your willingness to share it with others. See www.TheLifeMaximizer.com for more.