How to Share Your Passion at Work

Showing passion at work can be one of the most powerful ways we can help ourselves (and our careers) grow
– but it can sometimes feel challenging to do.

Now, before I start, let me be clear: if you don't feel safe being "you" in your work environment, sharing your passions should not be your first priority.

However, if you are rediscovering or exploring the things that light you up, and you see opportunities to live those passions at work, then articulating and finding ways to pursue them can be invaluable to your career and your sense of self.

Let's talk about the Number One Rule for showing passion at work – and making progress with it.

Show up with bright-eyed optimism.

Show up with an excitement about the possibility of change, with ideas on how to solve it, with back-up ideas for the inevitable compromise.

This isn't the same as toxic positivity. This is a keen desire to educate, to lead, to roll up your sleeves and make things happen, KNOWING that people will follow you slowly.

Don't just demand action. Come with a plan.

And – above all, be honest about what you're feeling.

People often hold back from sharing their passion at work because it doesn't fit neatly into their current role. They fear it could look disloyal or it could rock the boat.

But remember: good managers want to KNOW what lights you up.

Great managers create a space for you to shine that light.

If you show this optimism, if you put your heart into explaining context, building bridges, volunteering, working hard, and still the organization isn't listening or acting? Then you have three choices:

1. Articulate your passion and concerns about progress to a compassionate leader within your organization.

They may have valuable context that can help you make change happen. Don't assume that inaction or a lack of understanding is all about you. If your organization has a healthy culture, you may just need some new information to help your approach.

2. Stay at your job and find a creative outlet outside work.

Sometimes, the organization you're working may not be the best place for your passions. That can be OK. Not every job needs to be passion-filled. A job can be a job. But, DO NOT simply push your passion down. Resentment will win, and that won't help anybody.

3. Make your passion your job.

If your passion is so strong and you've decided that you want your daily work to BE that passion (oh, and you want to have it pay your bills, important point if you're a grown up), recognize that your current organization may not be the right fit. It doesn't make them bad people, it just means you need to find a different place to share your talents.

What experience have you had articulating and acting on your passion?