You’re at a conference and someone asks, “What do you do?” What they really mean is, “Who’s the big dog?”
Reject the need to impress. Ignite imagination, instead.
Boring:
- I’m VP of …
- I’m Director of…
- I’m the new …
When someone asks what you do, don’t tell them!
- Don’t try to impress.
- Don’t give job titles.
- Don’t explain job responsibilities.
Explain your passion, not your job.
Passion statements:
I feel awkward when I talk about what I do, but energized when I share my passion.
- I save lives in the emergency room. “I’m a doctor,” is boring. “I save lives,” is passionate.
- I develop talent and strengthen teams.
- I analyze businesses and help them develop new products.
- I enable our sales team to serve customers.
- I strengthen team relationships with technology.
- I create efficiency where there is waste.
- I inspire leaders.
- I create jobs for disenfranchised workers.
- I protect children.
- I help people find financial independence.
- I protect people from danger.
- I help teams and organizations get unstuck.
Tell a story:
My first grade teacher made me feel like I really mattered. Today, my passion is helping people believe they can make a difference.
Passion statement tips:
- Say something that touches your heart.
- Remember why you chose your field in the first place.
- Think about benefits, not the work itself.
- How are you making the world better?
- What are your best hopes for the impact of your life?
Bonus: How do you want people talking about you at your funeral? How are they talking about you now?
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek
How might leaders develop passion statements?
How might leaders help others develop passion statements?
*Thank you Larry Putterman. Our conversation about passion inspired this post.