13 is a lucky number for some. Well, on Day 13 of my 30 day challenge, please do read right through this post and then watch the video. I challenge you NOT to be moved and take some meaningful action TODAY in your life.
When is passion in the workplace a good thing? Now before I go any further, I’m obviously not talking about the romantic kind. Sorry to dash your hopes on that one! No, what I’m talking about here is the idea of being passionate about the work that you do.
All of the articles that I am writing in the series, are personal. all the opinions that are shared on my own. I am not writing on behalf of anyone but myself. When I set out the list of topics to cover during the 30 day blogger challenge, I wasn’t entirely sure how I would approach this subject. However it was clear to me that I simply had to write a post about passion. I believe there’s a purpose to my life and I’m loving the journey to find it and make it happen.
You see, a consistent and recurring theme during feedback sessions in my career, has been that I am very obviously passionate about the work that I do. I tend to get animated about the topics that matter to me. I am also, in the vein of Socrates, inclined to ask questions that is sometimes challenge peoples perceptions and their family held beliefs.
In a work perspective, I have always cared deeply about customer experience. The topic has had different labels over the last 15 years whilst I’ve been working in this space. Customer service, customer experience, CRM all are appropriate in the context of the work that I have done. I guess the thing is, I see such mediocrity out there in the world that I like to think and believe I can make a difference and help businesses realise how doing simple things more consistently can make a meaningful difference to the customer experience they deliver, and in turn to their bottom line.
Now I believe that it is important to bring your character into the workplace but in the right measure. Perhaps you can understand that in some environments, passion can be intimidating for some people. As a young person in your career, you often think that you know best. However, with time and experience you gain both hindsight and real maturity. You come to realise the importance of timing your interactions and only really bringing passion to bear when it is really necessary. Failed to get that balance right, and people get the wrong impression of you and switch off.
On the opposite side, if you don’t ask questions and if you don’t care, then what is the point. You might as well just be another clone. As my career has progressed, I have actually sought out organisations where the idea is you turn up to work in order to add some value. Bringing your opinions to work, doesn’t have to be negative thing. Just have to work for the greater good, still, but you are allowed to have an opinion and to challenge the norms. The idea is, you bring your experience to the party and everyone benefits from being around one another.
When I look back, one of the things that I have come to realise about myself is is that I really care for the underdog. It is a trait that I think the British readers amongst you will certainly identify with. And, rather like a British Bulldog, I tend not to give up until I get the answers to the questions I am asking. There’s something that lights me up when it comes to standing up for those without a strong voice. But that too can be tiring. Which is why I think it’s good to share your views and passions to help make the World a better place.
I guess, on reflection, the consequence of not leaving my passion at home, has been that I have on occasion fallen out with people. But then, I’ve become rather philosophical about all these things. Life is far too short. As I was reminded in a very powerful way, when my best friend Andy Eglin died suddenly in 2008. and so, now that I am in my 40s, I am determined that the remainder of my working life shall be put to good use.
My main reason for writing today’s post, was to help you tap into discovering your own passion. You see I think far too many people go through life without ever really realising their dreams. Far too often the environment in which you grow up shapes the way that you approach life. The people around you shaped the way that you think about things and the way that you approach challenges. Perhaps you have heard about green-lighters and red-lighters?
Green-lighters are those people who back you. They don’t question you. They understand that it is more powerful to be behind you and support you. Red-lighters on the other hand are the people in your life who, whilst caring for you, unwittingly try to dissuade you from following the path that you are on. They see the path of least resistance. They are the ones that try to help you but the upshot is that they inevitably can only see the negative.
You need to surround yourself with positive people and grow as an individual! Keep learning. My amazing Grandfather used to say to me, “you learn something new EVERY day”, and he was so right!
Over the course of the past couple of years, I have come to realise how important it is to tap into your own passions and to pursue your goals. I personally am determined to leave some kind of legacy. I would like to “make a difference” during my short time here on earth. That my friends and dear readers is what drives me forward. It is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I’m not entirely certain at this stage just how my passion will manifest itself in the next stage of my life, but one thing IS for certain. In the awe-inspiring words of Les Brown – “It’s not over until I win.” And again, “I’m hungry” to make that difference.
Perhaps today’s article has nudged you into taking a little action? Are you finding this series of any use? Please leave a comment below and do join the discussion on Twitter. Remember to use the hashtag: #CHA30DayChallenge
Thanks for stopping by and see you for more tomorrow friends!
p.s. if you like what you’re reading pop your email address in the box to the right of the blog and I’ll send you a weekly digest of the posts – simples!
