I define passion as owning the result. Passionate people have an “over my dead body” or a “leave it all on the field” mentality. But when you really break down the subject of passion, you discover there are four levels of ownership.
I would like to thank Chicago White Sox scout Kevin Burrell who provided three of these four levels on this episode of the Leading Simple Podcast with Rusty George. The following are The 4 Levels of Passion All Leaders need to know about when Assessing Themselves and Their Teams:
Level 1 – You LOATHE It
In other words, you hate your job or whatever you are involved in. It is simply a transactional relationship for you. They give you a certain amount of money or time, and you give them the minimum amount required to make it an acceptable exchange. At this short-term level, you are a prime candidate for quiet quitting.
Level 2 – You LIKE It
You enjoy what you do and are actually pretty good at it. It meets a personal or financial need in your life and better yet, it also has a positive impact on the lives of others. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning. But if something better comes along, you will take it.
Level 3 – You LOVE It
This is what most people think passion is. You love what you do and can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning. It’s a great job or incredible endeavor you are involved in. You can’t think of doing anything else. You are going to enjoy this as long as it lasts. Many people never find this level of passion. You are beginning to live out your purpose.
Level 4 – You LIVE It
This is true passion. You own the result of your organization. Your day does not end at 5:00 PM. Continual improvement and ongoing education are your brand. You edit your life and remove all the things preventing you from achieving your objective. You are 24-7. Whatever you are involved in, you are all in. It is these type of people who are truly indispensable to your organization.
So I leave you with this final question for you and those on your team – Do you loathe it, like it, love it, or live it? The answer will determine you and their level of passion.
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