Share The Love—At Work

Eight women sat around the conference room table, a near-perfect tapestry of races and generations. They had come to the leadership workshop out of requirement but had willingly engaged in meaningful self examination and group sharing.
 
For several hours the colleagues discussed past challenges, new strategies and goals for improvement. They listened to and validated each other. A growth in understanding and motivation was already palpable when I introduced the concept of passion:
 
“The brain is happy when you focus on what you love.”
“Out of fear, people focus on what they don’t want.”
 “Living a life you love requires a little work.”
“Where we direct our attention determines what grows stronger in our lives.”
 
As each woman reflected on these ideas and shared her passions with the group, a rich discussion began to flourish. Used to working in close proximity, these leaders had barely disclosed or otherwise revealed their greatest loves. Learning about each other’s passions for creating, for caring, and for experiencing instantly instilled a deep sense of appreciation and respect. By exploring the things most meaningful to them, the women connected.
 
In our journeys to become fully developed leaders of others, we must remember the power of sharing our selves. When we focus on and celebrate what we love, others are inspired to do the same. And the positive aspects of our respective and collective lives grow stronger.