Are you passionate about your work?

I'm always slightly unsettled by the inclusion of "passion" or "passionate" in organisational values. A presentation from Gary Hamel reminded me that passion is a gift that employees bring to the table. It's not something that the organisation can demand.

While companies want their people to be passionate about what they do, it's only something leaders can nurture. And passionate employees only stay that way in the right conditions.

When individuals are genuinely passionate about their work, they're driven by intrinsic motivation, a deep-seated enthusiasm beyond mere obligation. Harmonious passion - a protective factor for well-being - fuels creativity, dedication, and a willingness to go the extra mile, leading to greater innovation and productivity.

However, passion can also be a double-edged sword. When overused - becomes obsessive passion - it can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and an inability to accept feedback or collaborate effectively. This underscores the importance of managers encouraging a balanced approach to passion.

Organisations must recognise that passion can't be mandated. However, they can create an environment that nurtures and encourages passion by fostering a culture of autonomy, trust, and purpose, where employees feel empowered to pursue their work and contribute meaningfully.