Basically, I love TED Talks. These posts will probably frequent my blog.
Benjamin Zander discusses classical music... but there's so much more being said here! These things can apply to all types of leadership and passion.
"It's one of the characteristics of a leader that he not doubt for one moment the capacity of the people he's leading to realize whatever he's dreaming."
Leadership is great, but if you don't trust the people you are leading, where will that get you? Not very far! I experience this in marching band all the time where the leadership team comes up with some great ideas, but then when we get up in front of our people we don't trust that they will understand and then immediately have a negative reaction, bringing down the work as a whole. I strive to hold people to higher standards because I know from experience that people will surprise you. If you don't have faith that someone will get something done, they have no need to work hard because they have already disappointed you before they even began. If you set clear and high reaching expectations, they will most likely come through for you. Let yourself be surprised.
"The conductor of an orchestra doesn't make a sound." As a leader, it is your job to give your people opportunities. Leadership is the power to help-- to make other people powerful. To awaken possibility in other people.
Now here comes my favorite part.
"Look at their eyes. If they're eyes are shining you know you're doing it." You can tell. When I'm leading a team or the marching band, speaking in front of a large group, or teaching at my summer camps, I love to look down and see their faces staring back at me with shining eyes. It is the warmest feeling and the best reward. Simply to see shining eyes.
"Who am I being that my player's eyes are not shining?" Success is how many shiny eyes you have around you.