Passion

Larry’s Leadership Launch

With tears in his eyes, he said, “I want to grow and learn all that I can so that I lead my people well.” He told me about his life in India where he is an executive of a growing company. His job was not what impacted me. His passion and heart for others was what stood out to me during our short time together. He was committed to getting better as a leader because he cared for his family, friends and his team.

When I am asked to define leadership, this is my response: “Leadership is the ability to influence.” Strong leaders take this seriously and are determined to grow their influence in a positive direction. My friend knew the importance of leading well. He understood his responsibility to invest in the lives of those within his circle of influence.

We find ourselves passionate about a variety of things. We learn and become experts in things that we care about. What if we choose to become students of leading? What if we devoted time to understanding how to effectively invest in and influence others? What if we made leading ourselves and those around us well, our top priority?

My friend was passionate to grow as a leader because he understood the importance of caring for others. Choose to care about growing your influence and you will make a difference.

Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership


My definition of leadership is simple: Leaders are people who make things happen.

It’s not just a definition, it is something you can see in action every day. When I encounter people who excel in their roles or rise above the ordinary, one thing always stands out: passion. They care deeply about what they do. And that passion changes everything.

Imagine an employee with a top-tier education, impressive experience, and all the strengths needed to succeed. But they are disengaged, their heart is not in it. Now compare that to someone who may be less naturally equipped but is fired up about their work. Passion consistently outperforms raw ability when it comes to real-world results.

Passion is the difference-maker.

It is the people with passion who take bold risks, lean into challenges, and drive the biggest leaps forward for their teams, organizations, and communities.

But what is passion, really? At its core, passion is a deeply personal connection to something meaningful. It’s more than just strong interest, it’s energy, vision, and enthusiasm bundled together. It motivates leaders to act and inspires others to follow.

A 2022 Gallup study found that only 32% of U.S. employees are engaged in their work. The common thread among the engaged? They work for leaders who communicate purpose and show visible passion for what they do. That’s because passion is contagious. No one is inspired by a leader who’s going through the motions. If you want a workplace filled with energy, commitment, and creativity—it starts with you. Your passion sets the tone.

Vision without passion is a daydream. Passion turns that vision into momentum. It fuels productivity, sharpens focus, and strengthens team commitment. And it doesn’t come from a vague interest, it comes from something that sits at the heart of who you are.

When you’re truly passionate about something, you think about it constantly. It shapes your choices, drives your effort, and leads to mastery not because you're obligated, but because you're energized. Most successful leaders don’t just have jobs, they have missions.

Many employees struggle to connect with their work because they don’t understand the deeper "why" behind it. Maybe no one has ever taken the time to show them. One of the biggest missteps seen from leaders is holding the organization’s purpose too close failing to share it often and clearly.

One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it.
— Jack Canfield

Ask yourself:

  • Do your employees know why your organization exists?

  • Can they explain how it makes a difference?

If the answer is unclear, start there. Passion must be seen, heard, and felt.

As leaders, we must communicate our purpose consistently and with heart. When you articulate why your organization matters, and when your team sees your genuine enthusiasm, their own sense of purpose grows. And with purpose comes passion, resilience, and lasting performance.

It’s not just large organizations with global reach that demonstrate passion. In fact, many of the most passionate leaders I have worked with lead small, creative teams. They roll up their sleeves, collaborate directly with their staff, and keep the mission front and center. These leaders aren’t spectators, they are fully engaged in the work and the people. And their organizations are vibrant because of it.

There are thousands of books on leadership. But leadership isn’t built by reading about it. It’s built in the way you show up, the energy you bring, and how much you care—for the mission and for the people who share it with you.

People want to follow someone who believes in something.

That belief can take many forms. Passionate leadership isn’t about loud speeches or pounding the table. Some of the most passionate leaders are quiet, grounded, and thoughtful. What sets them apart is that they care. They ask questions, stay curious, and keep learning. They engage fully with people, ideas, and purpose. And that, at its core, is what passion is: the desire to do meaningful work and bring others along with you.

 
 

Will Myers

I support web designers and developers in Squarespace by providing resources to improve their skills. 

https://www.will-myers.com
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