Passion’s Place In Organizational Change

Passion is an extraordinarily powerful emotion. When managed well, fervent passion can be an unparalleled strength in a business setting. It can fuel organizational change and attract opportunities that contribute to progress and innovation. Conversely, this level of enthusiasm and energy can also be counterproductive if left to run wild in every direction. Let’s look at how to harness passion during a period of change.

Willingness to Suffer.

Of course, as humans we are hardwired to avoid suffering, and yet passion is deeply connected to the ability to endure discomfort. The word passion comes from a Latin word that literally means “to suffer.” The concept behind this emotion is that your desire or drive for your end goal allows you to move through pain associated with it more easily. You are so invested in what comes after; therefore, you’re willing to press on.

When a business is undergoing a period of intense change, there are a lot of growing pains involved. Many people may question why things need amending at all, dragging down the momentum of the transformation. Passion for the vision on the other side of a transformation allows stakeholders to hold fast, maintain morale, and see things through to the end. When widespread in an organization, it fosters the unity, conviction, and resolve it takes to move the needle.

Energy to Innovate.

When foraying into unknown territory, leaders and their teams must find new ways of doing things in order to succeed. The status quo is no longer producing the desired results, and processes must be approached in a new way to pave the way forward. Passion for a collective vision drives innovation and resourcefulness. This is critical when trying to overcome obstacles without leaning on antiquated processes or outdated beliefs.

Being vehemently focused on growth brings about constructive ideas and creative solutions. It’s the passion surrounding said growth that allows these revelations to come to the surface at all. A dispassionate team fraught with rutted thinking and negative attitudes towards change could never produce the solutions required to pull off any considerable transformation.

A Magnetic Atmosphere.

When someone is passionate about what they’re speaking about, their energy fills the whole room. Passion can make otherwise average people incredible storytellers, salespeople, and entertainers. In those moments, their spirit is captivating, magnetic, and infectious. The same idea applies to passionate organizations. When you walk into a room full of individuals who are excited about what they do, the energy is contagious.

Cultivating a workplace culture infused with passion and an appreciation for progress will also help attract like-minded individuals. Those already within the organization who are resistant to change and eager to maintain the status quo will naturally exit, leaving room for fresh talent that is aligned with the organization’s vision for the future.

Focus on Passion.

As a leader, it’s important for you to exhibit the passion you wish to see in all your stakeholders. Even on days you’re not feeling very enthusiastic, fake it. I’ve found that when I put on the guise of passion, I often end up feeling more exuberant than before.

Lastly, make sure you find ways to measure the level of passion you’re seeing within your organization. To manage something, you have to be able to measure its status. When you find levels aren’t quite up to snuff, focus on what you’d like to see more of rather than harping on what you don’t want to see. In short, stay positive and stay passionate.