Why is passion important?

Business Turnaround: Conatus

Passion gives us the extra push needed to think outside the box and to keep going when tough decisions need to be made.

It’s infectious too. If you are passionate about the business, those around you are likely to be too. Breeding a culture of positivity, ultimately, enables you to build a business that you are proud to be part of.

So, how do you create an ethos of passion, and if it’s not there yet, change the narrative moving forward?

It starts with considering what you are doing and why.

Do you believe in your service or product?

If you don’t, then you are unlikely to feel passionate about it. If that’s the case, what can you change to develop the enthusiasm you need? Sometimes the change may purely be your mindset, or it could be something practical relating to the business or those you work with. If the passion is missing, then maybe the business is not a good fit for you, and you should move on to a new venture or let someone else take the reins. However, if you do believe in what you are doing, start to develop a sense of purpose, not only in your role but in those around you, and build the ethos you need to succeed.

Set yourself and your team some goals and celebrate success.

Work with colleagues to create a positive team spirit and a can-do attitude in the workplace. Listen to each other’s views and ideas and be creative and open to new approaches. By developing a culture of respect that allows everyone to be heard, you will create a happier and collaborative workforce.

Empower your managers to lead by example.

Remember, that if they are passionate and motivated in their approach, their team is likely to become so too. Also, take the time to get to know your team and develop a bond with them, as they will work harder for you if they feel you believe in and appreciate them. Passionate employees are more likely to reach out to their colleagues to find others with relevant expertise and will learn quicker, which in turn increases the likelihood of success and performance improvement. Consider doing some team building activities outside of work too, as these can really make a difference. They may incur some cost, but it’s likely to be far outweighed by the engaged workforce you have as a result.

Outside of the business, work with or reach out to others with relevant expertise

These connections can fuel your own passion and provide a springboard to bounce ideas off. A fresh pair of eyes and a different viewpoint can be just the tonic you need to re-energise. Passion is self-replicating and will continue to build; nurture it and allow it the conditions to breed so you can keep building the business you desire.