Passion is a powerful, intense emotion. When we feel passion, we are energized and moved to create with enthusiasm. Passion leads to great inventions, art, music, sports, and other extraordinary endeavors. Some describe this desire as being in the “zone.” I attribute this space to a free-flowing consciousness that occurs when we are in alignment with our soul. We are so totally engaged in our passion that time slips by, we are inspired, and we are deeply satisfied. We are fulfilling our soul’s desire.
But how many people at work are actually feeling the passion of their soul’s desire, or at least feeling engaged at work? Gallup has reported approximately 70% of employees feeling disengaged in the last few years. A new Gallup article, dated July 22, 2021, reports 74% of actively disengaged and 55% of disengaged workers are actively seeking new career opportunities, with 48% of employees overall looking for new jobs. They cite some people are calling this the “Great Resignation.“ Others say it is really the “Great Discontent.” Employee resignations are astronomically expensive for companies, both in terms of lack of productivity and the costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training employees.
Disengaged employees are a direct result of their relationship with their leader or manager. As proof, Gallup finds that it takes more than a 20% pay raise to entice most employees away from a manager who engages them, and next to nothing to lure most disengaged workers. Clearly, leaders who are able to engage employees are extremely valuable.
Leaders who can ignite passion in others have the ability to stir enthusiasm, excitement, commitment, and extraordinary levels of achievement. Are you a leader who ignites passion in those you lead? Take this quiz.
- Do you practice self-awareness through meditation, self-reflection, presence, and sincere internal examination?
- Do you have an authentic affinity for all people, not just those in your circle or tribe?
- Do you share an inspiring and clear vision that benefits all people, not just those at the top?
- Do you create teamwork and group will through reconciliation and consensus?
- Do you touch the hearts and souls of others through genuine compassion and respect?
- Do you listen more than you talk and invite contribution and feedback?
- Are you capable of self-motivation and initiative, even when the going gets tough?
- Can you accept criticism and negative feedback?
- Are you personally responsible without blaming or creating scapegoats?
- Do you communicate openly, honestly, and frequently?
- Do you instill trust and commitment in others by being consistent and reliable?
- Are you easily accessible and approachable?
- Do you possess authentic, inner humility, and not simply false humbleness?
- Do you celebrate small wins, victories, as well as big achievements?
- Do you give an abundance of credit to those you lead?
If you answer all the questions honestly, you will probably find some of the traits easier to embody than others. Many traits take more awareness and dedication. Practicing being present and thoughtful to your internal responses in various situations and with different people can help you evolve as a passionate leader. It is an on-going, continual life practice.
The inherent ability to feel passion is in everyone
When the leader honors the spirit in oneself, as well as the same spiritual essence in others, a conduit of energy is released. It can be felt, and it energizes those being led, as well as the leader. This acknowledgment creates synergism, where the sum of the whole is greater than the parts. Igniting passion in your team leads to enthusiasm, better results, happier workplaces, loyalty, and higher achievement. Creating passion requires honoring the spirit residing beneath the self-created identities that battle and compete for power and validation.
Helping unleash the inherent passion in everyone can dramatically increase engagement. As a speaker, author, and workplace consultant, I suggest that most people want to work and feel satisfaction through utilizing their talents. But work that doesn’t honor both their inner spirit and their ability to contribute leads to great dissatisfaction. When people are not honored they want to free themselves from the invisible prisons.
“Working for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working for something we love is called passion.” –Simon Sinek
Passion Extinguishers
Igniting passion in others starts with you as a passionate leader. Passionate leaders shine light and love on the workplace stage. Passion stems from the heart and soul and relies on what I call, Universal Love. Passionate leaders ignite enthusiasm and dedication while also exposing the hidden shadows to the light of day. In my observation, these are the top passion extinguishers:
Top Passion Extinguishers
- Fear and internal competition (rivalry)
- Blame, shame, and bullying
- Gossip and rumors
- Taking credit or not acknowledging other’s work
- Needing to be right over what actually benefits everyone
- Acting superior and/or territorial
- Demanding unattainable goals or metrics
- Arrogance and bullying
- Micro-managing
- Racism, harassment, lack of diversity, lack of inclusivity
- Backstabbing or not covering someone’s back
- No time off the clock—email/texting 24/7
- Lack of flexibility
- Lack of transparent and open communication
Bringing spirit and compassion to the workplace
The lack of engagement, the “Great Resignation,” and the workplace unrest are all symptoms and reflections of the greater unrest in our world. The frenzy of greed, corruption, manipulation, and fear is actually due to the lack of love and compassion. As you witness how many are preying on others for validation and sustenance, recognize that it is fueled by the ultimate need to be loved and needed. We cannot lead others when we are in the dark, operating from fear and doubt. You can lead by shining a light on your workplace stage and bringing spirit and compassion to everyone. I call this “Project Illumination.”
I have learned that true compassion arises only when we no longer need constant confirmation and proof from others that we are worthy and loved. When we are aligned with our true selves, our inner spirit, and authentic power, we can give up the need for external validation. We can replace fear with trust and compassion, both in the workplace and in the world. Both passion and compassion emerge from Universal Love, the power that sustains all life.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” –The Dalai Lama
Danna Beal, M.Ed., lives in the Seattle, WA area where she is an international speaker, author, retreat/workshop leader, and executive coach. She has spoken to thousands of businesses and conferences and has been on countless radio shows, podcasts, and webinars discussing “Enlightened Leadership” and “Workplace Culture” based on her book, “The Extraordinary Workplace: Replacing Fear with Trust and Compassion.” Her audiences and clients have included: Seattle Science Foundation–Spine Surgeons Grand Rounds, Swedish Hospital and Medical Groups, Kaiser Permanente Grand Rounds, Oakland, CA, AHRA, Orlando, FL, Federal Aviation Administration, Overlake Hospital Perioperative Conference, Radia, numerous physician practices and hospitals. Her website is www.dannabeal.com.
