Can you love what you do TOO much?
? Scott McKain
Architect of distinction, transformation & Ultimate CX.? Forbes ‘10 Best’ business author -Hall of Fame speaker- Cavett Award winner-advisor with a proven record in creating sustainable success to leaders seeking impact.
Can you love what you do too much?
It's a question that many of us have asked ourselves at one point or another. And it's a valid question – after all, we're told time and time again to "follow our passion" and do what we love.
At a global event I was keynoting this week in Maui for ActionCOACH -- an organization with over 1000 business coaches in 70 countries -- their founder and CEO Brad Sugars made comments that hit me squarely between the eyes.
"Sometimes," Sugars said, "with some professionals, the emotional fulfillment from the activity they love can lead to a decline in the financial achievement they desire."
In other words, we love what we do so much that we take our eyes off the metrics on which every business must concentrate.
It spurs the question: What happens when our passion -- although meaningful and well-intentioned -- isn't financially viable? What happens when pursuing our passion actually puts us in a worse financial position?
It's a challenging situation to encounter. Still, it's one that more and more people find themselves in as the cost of living rises and the job market becomes increasingly competitive.
Another aspect here is that despite what we've heard, passion never ensures success. I know many who are passionate -- and incompetent! Customers do NOT buy your passion -- they purchase your results.
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For example, I am TOTALLY passionate about the speeches I present. I work diligently to craft new material to stay relevant and practice my presentations constantly.
My clients, however, do not book me for that reason. The only aspect of interest from them is the results that the content of my presentation will inspire and the enthusiasm generated from my speaking style.?
My great friend Randy Pennington has long said, "Results rule." He's exactly right.
That's not just the results your customers obtain -- despite your love of your work, you must focus on the numbers and the results you generate for your business and yourself. (And that's a harsh fact to absorb for passionate folks like me!)?
In the business world, passion is a good thing. But always remember that passion does not equal sales or profitability. Be passionate about what you do, but make sure your passion is tempered with an equal focus on the numbers. Your business (and your family) will be glad you did!
Chief Experience Officer at billquiseng.com. Award-winning Customer CARE Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Blogger
2 年Scott, I very much appreciate you. So I hope we can have an open conversation. I realize that it's semantics, but I do not agree that "results rule." Customers do. Customers pay for their experience, not your product or service. They buy with emotion and justify that decision with reason. They seek the best emotional value for their experience, not your logical price, service, or product. Customers don't care how big you are. They only care about helping you care about them. So when Nordstrom offers personalized, attentive service, customers will pay more for their experience. It is not about your product or service. It's about their experience. And to customers, their experience is "priceless". So we should all have a passion to care for our customers and not worry about the rules. First, we will be the best to customers. Then we will be first among our competitors. But wait. There's more. Page 2 of 2. All Business is Show Business.
Uncopyable Best-Selling Author. Podcast Host. Speaker. Consultant. Trainer.
2 年Great points, Scott! We always need to think about the perspective of the customer. Having too much passion when you’re in sales can be a problem, too. We are so excited and enthusiastic about our product or service, that we unintentionally “throw up quote on the customer, Instead of uncovering and adressing their true priorities and needs! Thanks for the insights.
Are you Hustling & Grinding, but can't remember your life's Purpose & Meaning? VisionBoardSpecial.com
2 年Powerful message, Scott. These days, especially coming out of the pandemic when more and more people are stating: "I don't want to go back to that life I was living". we have to very careful about just doing 'what makes us happy'. It can be a sure road to ruin, especially if our eyes fail to stay focused on ALL PARTS of our lives.