Are We Passionate Leaders?
Updated: Nov 13, 2020
Explaining various traits of leaders Stephen Covey in his book The 8th Habit lists the following as critical to the leaders:
Vision
Discipline
Passion
Conscience
Passion is the driver for learning and growth. If a leader does not have a passion for the vision that he has articulated, he would fail in the venture sooner or later. History has evidence to show that many a great leader scaled their peaks only because of the passion they had for their goal. Passion can manifest in different ways, but it energizes the body, mind and spirit. It brings a glow on the face and inner satisfaction when one delivers. For a passionate person, the work itself is an achievement rather than the result. The members of the team stand apart and admire how you do things, how you sweat for your goal and how you make a progress. It instills confidence and inspiration in their souls.
History has evidence to show that many a great leader scaled their peaks only because of the passion they had for their goal.
An Evangelist of the eighteenth century, John Wesley seems to have remarked once:
"When you set yourself on fire, people love to come and see you burn.!"
Read every day, a page about people who have achieved great goals because of their passion. Edmund Hillary observed on reaching the Everest:
"It is not the mountain, but one has to conquer the mind."
How true! To be passionate about a thing, possibly we need to make a few sacrifices, to make a few compromises, a few determinations ….!
E.M. Forester observes in his writings:
"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."
I think that distinguishes the leader – To be passionate about his goals and to infuse a passion in the minds of his team mates.
As academic leaders, we need to be passionate about our job, infuse a passion for the same in the minds of our colleagues and our students. Denis Waitley remarks humorously:
"Chase your passion and not your pension."
About the Author
G. Balasubramanian is the Chairperson of Board of Adivsors to International Council for School Leadership (ICSL)
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