What happens when passion is incongruent with principles?
Surely, any of us could recount numerous tales of leaders passionate about what they did, but were unprincipled in how they pursued their passion.
Consider Benedict Arnold. He was a general in the Revolutionary Army, and a distinguished general, at that. He was bold, daring, and creative. He earned the admiration of his fellow soldiers and countrymen. At one time, he was clearly a hero…especially in consideration of his performance at the Battle of Saratoga, widely regarded as the turning point in the War of American Independence.
Unfortunately, his drive was not supported by strong values. He was an egomaniac, needing the admiration, attention, and recognition of others, he was more focused on personal gain that on the welfare of his country. When he began to feel under-appreciated by his peers, he turned his attention to the British and conspired against the Americans. He went so far as to develop a wretched plot to surrender a strategic fort at West Point to the enemy. Fortunately, the plot was foiled.
He fled to the British side and died unceremoniously in England, known as America’s most notorious traitor.
What is the motivation behind your passion?
What drives you to be a leader?
How strong are the values that form your foundation?
