The Leader's Passion

Yesterday, I had the good fortune of spending a couple of hours with Dan Hayes, President of HealthCall (http://www.healthcall.com/), a first-stage company that is revolutionizing how information is exchanged between healthcare professionals and the chronically ill. During our time together, Dan spoke very little about the economic benefit of his service to his customers, and he said nothing about the value potential of his company's stock to his next group of investors. All Dan wanted to talk about was how his system helps the chronically ill.

Dan's passion is typical of entrepreneurs. In fact, the Leader's Passion is often a company's major asset. Steve McGue is the President of the Shamrock Companies and a PAC Emeritus member. Steve talks about how he admires FedEx (http://www.fedex.com/). "Absolutely, positively overnight" says it all to Steve about the FedEx culture, and, in fact, the history of FedEx is full of stories about employees who felt empowered to take extraordinary steps to fulfill this simple, three-word Mission.

Too many times, when we hear about Vision Statements, Mission Statements, and Value Statements, our thoughts turn to wood plaques on reception area walls. Too often, these statements reflect superficial platitudes. After all, who can argue with "first class customer service" or "honesty?"

If you are a business leader, you have a passion for what you do, and you owe it to yourself and your stakeholders to articulate it. If you want another perspective on this, pick up a copy of "Lincoln on Leadership," a 15-year-old book that is an easy read, yet it clearly talks about timeless and powerful ideas for the business leader in the context of one of history's great leaders. http://www.navyreading.navy.mil/Covers/Lincoln%20on%20Leadership.htm

Put your passion into words. Call it whatever you want. Since your actions are a result of your passion, everything you do and say will reinforce it. The Leader's Passion will become the touchstone for your company and everyone who comes in contact with it.

Nick