The Power of Passion

Many influential people cross my path in the banking business.  What is most fascinating are the qualities that separate successful leaders from those not so successful.  Even more intriguing are the intangible qualities shared by those who are successful.  There are many qualities that drive leadership success, but there is one major distinction:  PASSION.

A group of self-made millionaires were asked to list the qualities that contributed to their success and to rate the importance of each.  The final tally is instructive:  Ability = 5%; Knowledge = 5%; Discipline = 10%; Attitude = 40%; Enthusiasm = 40%.  In other words, these business leaders claim that 80% of their success is a direct result of their passion for what they do.

John Schnatter knocked out a broom closet and opened a pizza store in 1985.  His business grew from one store to 46 stores in no time.  Eventually, he was opening 30 stores per month, an average of one-a-day.  When asked about the company’s meteoric success, one analyst replied:  “It’s very simple … pizza is his life and he takes it seriously.  He eats, sleeps and breathes pizza.  John is passionate about pizza.”  Today, Papa John’s Pizza has grown to approximately 3000 stores in 49 states and 29 international markets. 

Got Passion?  A great attitude and focused enthusiasm will carry you a long way.

By Jake Aguas
Student at
MA in Organizational Leadership
Biola University
~Now Offering Distance Education~

Taken from: The Leader's Minute' column in the OC Register