The Question of Passion
By Mary Finlay on Tue, 04/01/08 - 4:53pm.Bill, a reader of this blog, recently asked my thoughts about passion in the workplace. No, not that kind, he clarified in his comment, but passion for the work itself. I will always choose passion over apathy. There is nothing like watching someone who is completely energized by their work, their project, or the system they manage. Passion brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to go the extra mile. It is often contagious and will spread to a whole project team or department.
However, there are times when it goes too far. I have seen people who are so in love with their idea that they can’t accept that others think it is a bad idea. I have seen people so in love with their work that they neglect their health or family. As with everything in life, passion needs to be kept in balance. But, I will take someone with passion over apathy any day. I don’t need the apathy virus spreading through the organization.
- About Climbing the IT Ladder
Mary Finlay is the deputy chief Information officer of Partners HealthCare System, Inc., responsible for the daily management of an organization of 1,300 IS and telecommunications staff. Previously, she was the chief information officer of Brigham and Women's Hospital. She is also a member of the faculty for the Simmons School of Management.
Finlay is the chair of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council and is active in the Boston Chapter of the Society of Information Management and the College of HealthCare Information Management Executives. She has been recognized with leadership awards from the Simmons School of Management, CIO, the New England Business and Technology Association, and Babson College.
Most Discussed Posts
-
Network World, Inc
The Connected Enterprise