Passion, Desire, Leadership

What's the one key you need to be successful as a leader?

Is it effective goal setting? The right vision? The right knowledge? Wisdom? Experience?

What truly makes one leader more successful than another?

Jeffrey Gitomer, a well-known sales trainer and motivational speaker, recently wrote in his nationally syndicated column that it's all about intention. What you intend to do is what you'll really do, goals notwithstanding.

As a leader, what you intend to do is what you'll really do. Nothing else matters.

What you desire is what you will seek, work for, and achieve.

Here's another way to think about it: "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing you will be successful." (Albert Schweitzer)

What makes you happiest? When you're truly happy, what are you doing?

I had the experience of spending a little time with a good friend a number of years ago. He was struggling with what to do with his life. He had just graduated with a college degree in a field he had no interest pursuing. He really didn't know what to do.

He came to me for help. Not really knowing truly how to help him, I simply asked, "If you had all the money you needed, all the basic physiological needs covered, and no other worries in the world to concern yourself with, what would you do?"

He thought for a few minutes and then said, "I'd do genealogy. I love searching for my ancestors. I get a thrill every time I just think about it." He went on for several minutes. Without prompting. He just talked, babbled almost. He was on the verge of being giddy, even. It was exciting to see the fire come alive in his eyes.

That was his passion. I didn't have the words then to describe what happened in those few minutes with my friend. But, I saw it come alive in him. It was passion.

How deep is your passion? It's about passion. I'm not talking about the kind of passion you generate just to get enthusiastic about the work so others will be excited about the work, too. I'm not talking about creating some false excitement around the ugly tasks, just so people get motivated.

I'm talking about the passion that runs deep, the intense emotional desire.

Let me share with you one last source for a bit more information regarding this subject. It comes from Jack Zufelt, who's on a mission to help 100 million people before he dies (and he's in his mid-50's now!). He wrote about these concepts of passion, desire, and desire in his work, "The DNA of Success."

Would you take a moment and check out what he has to say about the importance of Core Desires? Then, let me know what you think.
http://tinyurl.com/ylc2d3

Here's to Your Leadership Success!

Michael