The highly effective leader is a changed man (or woman).  The most effective leaders influence others through their passion.

Leaders create movement.  A Jedi can be moved by the power of the Force, a positive light side of power that works for good.  A Jedi can be tempted equally by the dark side, a force that encourages selfish internal motives.  The dark side can be powerful; however the light side is more attractive and brings people along willingly. The dark side binds people.

I find a parallel in the driving power of a contemporary leader.  One colleague (Georgia Feiste) asks this important question, “As a leader, what drives you – passion or ego?” Leaders may draw people by positive passion or by the greed that follows the ego.

A leader’s passion can be a future pull – a draw to a vision of a possible future landscape that entices, like Dorothy drawn to the Land of Oz  A leader’s experience of this potential destination can inspire passion in the self and others.  This passion is a source of power in the present.  Passion is the real thing.

The dark side alternative is ego.  Ego is a tempting power; it seduces the soul just as the dark side power offered Jedis a chance to dominate others. Ego can create power; it is never as sweet as genuine passion. 

The ego is a force that drives people.  I like to think that ego is limited in its ability to connect with people, that selfish purposes have power but limited range in them – the power of the ego cannot be sustained as long as the power of passion. Ego burns itself out faster.  It never satisfies as long as passion.

Perhaps we all have some passion motivation in us, as well as some ego motivation.  Don’t worry about the presence of the ego – but be excited about the presence of passion in your soul!  This source of influence is dynamic and positive – it turns people on!

When you show people the way forward, they will read your intention.  Connect with passion.

Be brilliant.  The light from your passion is like a 150 bright bulb- the incandescent kind! Your shine will draw people of talent, purpose and positivity to you.

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After a successful life transition, choose a positive risk in the direction of a dream.

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Does your purpose fill you (and others) with passion? Send a note to me at drsteve@mycareerimpact.com