In every system there are those that exude energy for specific endeavors.
Whether it is in our families, classrooms, schools, systems or other organizations, you identify that energy by the way people talk about particular subjects, the work they do and the passion shown. You also discover that energy by the sparkle in their eyes, and the way they sit up or stand a bit taller when their subject of interest is the focus.
Recently I've been editing personal narratives with students. I enjoy those edits so much. As I ask questions, lots of questions, I watch children think deeply and express the details of their story: the way they felt, who they were with and how they acted. Those stories are evidence of their passions.
As leaders, whether it be a classroom leader, school leader, mom or dad or organization leader, the key to growth and strength is identifying those passions and helping people with that energy use it to better the work, support the mission and invigorate the environment. When we hinder and stand in the way of passion and energy, everyone loses out.
