Do You Love Your Organization?

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This may seem like a strange question: Do you love your organization? Strange perhaps because you never thought about it. Or perhaps strange because you aren’t sure you would use the world love in that way. But this question can have a lot to do with your ultimate success – as a leader, as an organization, and as a human being.?

I will admit, it is a big statement. To assert that your answer to this five-word question could ultimately determine your success in both work and life. But before I make those points, let’s define “love” in this context.

What Do I Mean by Love?

Several years ago, I wrote this in a post titled “Five Love Affairs Every leader Should Have:”

The best leaders bring more than their physical and mental selves to their work. They bring their passion, beliefs, values, and emotions, too. They realize, through learning or intuition, that they are leading full human beings with emotions as well as intellect. And that to best engage, develop, and lead them, they must bring their whole selves to their work.

Is that even possible? To bring your full self to something without caring deeply about (even loving) the context, purpose, and people surrounding you? If that isn’t love, at some level, I don’t know what is.

How Your Answer Impacts Your Results

With my description of love clearer, let me ask the question again:

Do you love your organization?

Do you love the work, the why, and the people working with you? Do you care about what happens, how it happens, and the results of your efforts? If so, here is just a sampling of the benefits in store:

• For you as a leader. When you are fully engaged through love, there will be days that are harder and hours that feel longer. More so than if you just cared less, anyway. But the effort will bring more joy, satisfaction, meaningful relationships, and fulfillment. It seems like a trade-off worth making to me.?
• For you personally. These same outcomes also apply to you personally – whether you are a leader or not. Most people talk about having a job or work that they love. It usually starts with a level of love for the context of that work – including the team, organization, and purpose.
• For the team and organization. Think about it this way, love for and caring about the team and work guarantees engagement, doesn’t it? And greater employee engagement is something every organization should desire. Even if they are already supporting its formation and growth well. Love for your organization improves outcomes and results. And as you model it for others, they will follow your lead.

When you love your organization, good things happen. So, if your answer to the question is “no,” it is time to start looking for either that love (which is where I would start) or a new organization.

It’s Your Turn

Please share your experiences in loving your organization so others can learn from your perspective!

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I’m hosting a special LinkedIn Live on July 20.? If you have responsibility for leadership development, or business results in your organization, you need to join us.? Learn more and register for this opportunity to positively impact your organization.?

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A version of this article first appeared on our blog.

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