Comments on: How to Instill Passion in Others (and Yourself)

By: Henry Nyamu

Henry Nyamu — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:40:04 +0000

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By: Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah)

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:20:25 +0000

It really is all about instilling passion. I’m reminded of a quote from Success Built to Last by Jerry Porras, Stewart Emery, and Mark Thompson:

“You have gifts to share that belong to others. It is your responsibility to share your talents with the world because it would be a darker place without you. There is no greater feeling in life or freedom in the world than to know that you can be yourself and part of a group that is engaged in a cause that is greater than you are.”

By: Will - Man In The Making

Will - Man In The Making — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:55:02 +0000

very good article, its true when people are on their path or mission in life it gives them a sense of purpose and joy when they feel they are progressing to that ultimate goal. It is even more fulfilling when you are a part of a team with people who are looking to reach the same target. It creates synergy.

By: Paul Peixoto

Paul Peixoto — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:29:20 +0000

Great post and comments. As a coach I deal with many who have lost their passion for their work. Often it’s because they’ve been working at the wrong thing. Sometimes it’s because a superior drove it out of them. All the time it can be recovered. Working through the reasons why we work at what we do will often reveal those original passions we had when we started. Discovering our purpose can reinvigorate passion that is latent within us.

Life without passion is like…

By: The Financial Philosopher

The Financial Philosopher — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:42:04 +0000

Greg & John Wesley:

I have not read “On War.” I will agree with you both…

Great leadership qualities translate to all types of situations, whether it is military or not. I will clarify my comment by saying that the “commanding” leader can soothe fears by giving clear direction in a crisis or in an emergency; however, if the commanding style is used improperly or too frequently, it can be perceived as negative by the team (or military unit).

Above all, I will repeat that a truly great leader will know when to apply a certain style, given the situation…

By: H. Peter Schiller

H. Peter Schiller — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:10:33 +0000

Thanks for the post. I definitely agree with the idea about the importance of vision. I think I would adjust the comment about breaking a rule for the team. Instead the team leader should setting the example in breaking down barriers. The team should be able to follow the leader. Perhaps not in actual work tasks, but in spirit and attitude.

By: John Wesley

John Wesley — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:50:04 +0000

Definitely true. Have your ever read “On War”? In one fascinating chapter it discusses the sort of genius needed to become a great military leader.

By: Miles

Miles — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:12:51 +0000

Thank you, great article and I will be saving this for future reference for myself and my future clients.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:01:23 +0000

re: Financial Philosopher: Even in military and extreme circumstances, the above applies. Read biographies about great military leader and they show the same quaities…even while wile comanding and leading their men into harm’s way.

By: The Financial Philosopher

The Financial Philosopher — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:29:09 +0000

You’ve just summarized the most effective leadership styles: Visionary, Empathetic, Coaching, & Pace-setting.

Ideally, the leader will understand (and value) diversity in personality types (Myers-Briggs is wonderful here) and use a combination of styles, similar to using tools. For example, the Visionary can often be the most effective but may stumble if empathy, coaching, and pace-setting are missing and needed.

Unfortunately, most of us know the least effective leadership style: Commanding. Outside of the military and in extreme circumstances, this style eventually leads to higher turnover as the “commander” comes across as demanding, impatient, and short-sighted. High-quality employees are just waiting for the chance to jump ship…

Thanks for the post…