September 18, 2017

How can leaders reignite their passion for work?

It's an amazing feeling when you get that promotion to the C-suite. However, down the road it can be easy to start losing some of the passion you had for your work. Removed from the day-to-day operations of the business, and probably doing less of the work that had helped you stand out in the first place, you may start to feel a little dejected.

But don't worry. This is a natural process within a career, and it's one that many would argue is necessary – once you get over this little bump in the road, your energy and commitment to the job will be reignited. How can you stay passionate about your work?

1) You're in a position to help others – use it!

One of the best parts of being a leader is the amount of interaction you can have with your employees. This means opportunities for coaching and mentoring abound. Ensure you're setting up regular one-on-ones with those who might benefit, and use them as a chance to share your valuable insight and experience. Find out what skills and aims your employees have and help them get there. Leading isn't just about achieving your own goals but helping others to achieve theirs, and you'll find your job a lot more rewarding as a result. 

As an executive, you're in a unique position to mentor people. Make the most of it!As an executive, you're in a unique position to mentor people. Make the most of it!

2) Take a look at the bigger picture

As an executive, it's so easy to get tunnel vision and focus all your efforts on the internal workings of the business. However, looking into how your work affects the wider community will help to reignite your passion. So much of a senior executive's job is crafting a vision for the business, and you'll find this a lot easier if your company is helping the world in some way. 

The Harvard Business Review gives the example of John Hass, CEO of Rosetta Stone. While his employees might focus their attention on the language learning part of the business, Mr Hass regularly talks with those who use his services.

For him, it's more than just becoming bilingual – it's about bringing countries closer together, resolving world conflict and improving literacy rates. As an executive, you're in a unique position to get a bird's-eye view, and when you discover just what type of impact your organisation has on the wider world, you'll find your enthusiasm increases tenfold. 

Make sure you invite discussions about your ideals - it'll make them stronger in the long run!Make sure you invite discussions about your ideals – it'll make them stronger in the long run!

3) Create a dialogue

When you're committed to a certain ideal – whether it's a business proposition, or a particular way of doing things at your company – you have to be able to take criticism. Make sure you always allow room for debating new ideas. Inviting a dialogue and opening yourself up to being challenged will show your employees that you're happy to have discussions.

This approach will also make your own ideals stronger because you'll have to think of a way of defending them. Someone might come up with a great argument, and this may mean you have to change yoru own position slightly – but that's okay, as you'll end up with the strongest possible beliefs, which will make you more energised in the long run. 

Are you thinking about making the move into the C-suite? Jackson Stone & Partners is one of New Zealand's most experienced executive search and recruitment specialists. For more information, contact the team today.