A great leader I had the privilege to spend time with once said that passion cannot be faked. People need to feel that the leader is the first to change and is passionately engaged with the vision. In a global organization, the passion must cross borders without losing energy. Taking the message on the road, finding the right channels of communication and using the passion to lead the organization demonstrates the leader’s authenticity. If the leader has to fake it, or cannot lead change with passion, it may be time to question if it is the right leader. Change with passion can lead to sustained success. Let the positive energy flow!
As leaders, we invite feedback from our customers, employees and stakeholders. The question is do we really hear what they are saying. It is imperative to our success and the future of the businesses we lead to truly listen and act. Acting includes executing on strategy that is aligned with that voice. Hear it, understand it, own it and act.