Passion – Friend or Foe?

Why his is a Double-Edged Sword and what to do about it!

We’ve all been there at corporate events or conferences where there has been that one leader who has given a presentation that has left you feeling motivated, inspired and full of ideas! Passionate delivery of well-crafted stories that show others a little bit of the person behind the role as well as why they are passionate about sustainability really matters to the people we lead. It fires up the passion in each and everyone of us and it’s a key strength to creating that bright future for our children that I know we are all driven towards.

I recall having that feeling some years ago when I heard our new director talk about what was important to her, why it was important and skilfully sharing just enough about her personal life to harness that sense of ‘I want to do really good work for and/or with you’ type of feeling in me. Passion, I think, played a huge part in the positive delivery of that message and is a real strength that I see many female sustainability leaders possess in bucket loads.

Passion can be a strength, it can…

1. Enhanced Motivation and Productivity: When we are allowed to bring our passion into our work we are self-motivated. We don't need external incentives to put in extra effort or go above and beyond. This intrinsic motivation often leads to higher quality work and increased productivity, benefiting both us and the organisations we lead.
2. Increased Creativity and Innovation: When we can use our passion creating we’re more likely to think outside the box. We can seek new ways to improve processes, solve problems, and create value. This innovative mindset can lead to breakthroughs and competitive advantages for the organisations we lead.
3. Resilience and Positive Influence: Passion acts as a buffer against stress and setbacks. We are more likely to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. Our enthusiasm is contagious, often uplifting the entire team, boosting morale, and creating a more positive work environment.

However, when we overuse this strength it can lead us into unintended negative consequences. In other words, the same fire that drives success can also burn bridges if not carefully managed. We can be…

1. Tunnel Visioned: We may become so focused on our goals and keen to see them realised that we fail to really understand our colleagues' concerns and rather than working on a win/win outcome, the result is a damaged relationship and a solution that only partly solves the problem.
2. Overwhelming to Others: Constant enthusiasm can be exhausting for those who don't share the same level of passion, leading to fatigue or resistance.
3. Impatient: A strong desire for immediate action may cause friction with those who prefer a more measured approach.
4. Emotional Decision-Makers: Passion can cloud judgment, leading to decisions based on feelings rather than facts.

As a result, we might find ourselves:

• Criticizing colleagues who don't immediately embrace sustainability initiatives
• Disregarding budget constraints in pursuit of the solutions that feel ‘the right thing to do’.
• Dominating meetings with sustainability topics, leaving little room for other important discussions.
• Becoming frustrated with the pace of change, straining relationships with senior managers who need to take decisions based on many competing priorities.

??Is this ringing bells???

If so, I’m not suggesting this is the time to start beating yourself over the head with a big hairy DO NOT BE SO PASSIONATE stick! But I am suggesting that it’s worth reflecting on some of the below ways you can work with you passion so that it support you in pursuit of your ambitions rather than holds you back from making the impact you dream of in this defining decade. It’s all about harnessing effectively without alienating others.

Try this:

1. Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others' perspectives and concerns. Ask lots of questions to really understand the challenge your colleague is trying to articulate to you, don’t just wait for your turn to speak.
2. Seek Balance: Recognise that sustainability is one of many important business considerations.
3. Build Allies: Instead of overwhelming others, identify and nurture relationships with individuals who care as much as you do but consider how you can approach them in a way that they will find more engaging. Building relationships with those who have influence and/or power within the organisation can help to champion the cause.
4. Be Patient: Understand that organisational change takes time and that, although the climate crisis needs drastic action without delay remember that it’s not all down to you. Plus taking your time now to get others supportive of your views now mean you have a bigger impact ultimately. Celebrating small wins is essential to keep up your motivation and keep frustration at bay. Look back over the long term e.g. the last year or 5 to see how far you’ve come, bring your team along with you in this activity.
5. Use Data: Balance passionate appeals with solid facts and figures to make a compelling business case especially where it can bust some common myths held within the business.

Passion remains invaluable asset in enabling the change needed across organisations, systems and the way we currently live in the global north so don’t loose heart.

Yes, we can,

Yes, you can!

If you’d like some help to assess whether, you have built the foundations to have the impact you dream of then take my quiz as a first step. It will offer you this assessment and give you feedback so that you can become confident, purposeful and proud of your contribution in this defining decade. Click here to take the quiz now.