How to Lead with Passion.. Lesson Learn from The Apprentice

Leaders who are passionate about their vision can generate enthusiasm and excitement among their employees and colleagues and motivate them to achieve success, said Edward T. Reilly, president and CEO of American Management Association. But how to craft the messages and deliver them is critical to getting buy-in from the rest of the organization, Reilly said. He offers the following advice:

· Believe in your ideas with enthusiasm. If you have conviction about your ideas, plans, projects or direction it will be reflected in your voice, your words and your actions. Your passion will be apparent and will influence others.

· Build your case. Make your points for your ideas in both a rational and emotional manner. The intensity of your feelings, combined with facts and reason, will elicit support.

· Be assertive. Assertive leaders gain respect because they express themselves in an honest, straightforward manner. By speaking in an assertive style, you can make your point and achieve your goals without putting down or alienating other members of the team.

· Be positive. Your delivery is as important as your words. The tone and pitch of your words are an important part of your communications. Listen to yourself to determine if you sound committed to your idea. Your passion will be contagious.

· Be responsive. Ask what it is about your idea that others like best or least. Be a complete listener, one who leans into the conversation and shows complete attention. Ask follow-up questions. They will offer insights into their thinking. Your responses then can be directed to their specific concerns.

· Show confidence. Your physical posture says as much about your commitment to an idea or belief, and your willingness to uphold it, as do the words and tone of your voice. Non-verbal communication conveys more than 90 percent of any message. Keep your head up and maintain eye contact.

· Be persistent. Stay the course. You may need to restate your rationale and continue to demonstrate your intense feelings and enthusiasm over time to secure full support from others. Remain focused on the overall objective.

· Accept responsibility. If your approach fails, be the first to admit it. Others will respect you for being forthright. Then review the situation, determine what went wrong and learn how to do it better next time.