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FIND YOUR PASSION

The idea that you can find work that makes you happy seems to be catching on. Only last week, I heard that a local insurance company was running a series of ‘Engagement’ seminars for its staff. It was hoped that the training would teach the employees how to connect with each other and build stronger relationships.

We tend to make friends with people with whom we find a common bond or a shared interest. If we care about our colleagues we should be more motivated at work and thus more productive.

Donna Messer, the Canadian networking guru, suggests that the best way to build stronger relationships with both colleagues and clients is to find not just a shared interest, but a shared passion.

One of the secrets of networking,’ says Donna, ‘is not to talk about business at all, but to talk about your passions.’ Whether you run your own business, or are employed by a company, finding a way to do something you are passionate about, is key to success in the workplace.

Maybe you are passionate about self-development, being creative or working in a team? If so, then it should not be too difficult to find or create your own niche at work in which you can really thrive. But for most people, it is just not that simple. Through conditioning, the need to be financially secure and the fast pace of life, many of us have no idea how to work what we love to do or even remember what we used to enjoy doing before life got in the way.

Self-discovery Ideas
In her inspiring book, ‘Work With Passion’, Nancy Anderson explains how you can write your life story in order to see patterns emerge that will help you to dig up your childhood dreams. Anderson suggests that you start this autobiography beginning with your grandparents and continuing for up to 50 pages.

Many careers counsellors encourage clients to examine their childhood to excavate their passions. And while not everyone may relish the idea of writing as much as Anderson advocates, putting to pen to paper is one of the best ways to discover more about yourself.

What did you used to want to be when you grew up? What did your parents want you to do and what kind of work did they do themselves? Consider too, what work they did not want you to do. As soon as you begin to be influenced by the dreams of others you start to conform and put your own dreams aside in favour of convention. Sometimes too, you end up working in an area in which you are skilled and experienced, often relating to the subject you were best at in school. Unfortunately, what you are best at, is not always the same as what you love to do.

Think about what you do that fills you with energy, makes you want to get up in the morning and causes time to fly. Conversely, think about what makes you feel tired, bores you, or you always leave until last. If you know what you don’t like to do, maybe you enjoy doing the opposite?

Why passion matters
Anyone lucky enough to really enjoy the work they do, will be enthusiastic about their career. That enthusiasm will be evident to clients and colleagues, and in turn, will lead to success.

When you do something you love this enthusiasm keeps you motivated through the bad times, but maybe, more importantly, it allows you to be authentic.

Kathleen Bader, is the Business Group President at DOW. She was the opening keynote speaker at the WIN 2001 conference in Milan, last September.

Unless you work according to your passion and your values you have no hope of living authentically,’ she said. Bader is passionate about equality and has used her strong beliefs to initiate such changes within the company that it now boasts a range of women friendly policies relating to maternity leave and flexible working among others. ‘Leadership is action, not position,’ Bader continued, advising that we care deeply, listen, act according to our passions and tell our stories. These days we are encouraged to admit to a private life and a family outside work. Talking about them shows that we are whole and normal human beings, not automatons.

As we move from the age of technology to the age of spirituality, more and more individuals and companies recognise the value of authenticity, energy and engagement. The success of a business depends on the personal success of its employees. Be good to yourself and your company and find your passion now.

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