At a recent conference for addiction professionals, I connected with a passionate attendee new to the field. During our conversation, they shared a hard truth: they had recently lost their job- not for lack of commitment, but because of their zeal for asking tough questions, generating new ideas, and making bold decisions. They told me that what they learned from the experience was to “shut up and follow the status quo.” My heart sank.
Their words struck me. I had been in the field long enough to understand how difficult it can be to balance enthusiasm with organizational expectations. This interaction became an impromptu mentoring moment. Together, we explored how to align personal passion with an organization’s mission without losing sight of why they entered the field in the first place: To serve.
Finding the Balance Between Passion and Alignment
It’s easy for emerging professionals to become so invested in their ideas that they lose sight of the bigger picture. However, when you join an organization, it’s essential to align your efforts with the organization’s vision- it’s not your agenda, it’s theirs.
I reminded my new colleague that they didn’t join the organization to pursue personal goals, but to serve its mission and the people impacted by its work. That doesn’t mean abandoning creativity or silencing ideas, but rather understanding how to bring value in sync with the organization’s goals and under the guidance of leadership.
Listening to What Isn’t Being Said
The art of listening- especially to what isn’t explicitly said, is crucial. Sometimes, the biggest barriers to change and innovation within an organization aren’t spoken aloud (or to you). This includes unexpressed priorities, power dynamics, and unarticulated concerns from leadership and peers.
Listening deeply allows you to do a few things:
•Understand your manager’s expectations.
•Identify the hidden needs of your team.
•Navigate office dynamics without stepping on toes.
Bringing value isn’t just about pushing ideas forward but also about timing, alignment, and understanding when to listen and when to lead.
The Role of Leadership: Holding Space and Making Space
At the same conference, I heard a powerful quote from Melissa Fitzgerald (Actress/West Wing and Activist):
“Talk to others. They have thoughts and ideas that you’ve never thought of.”
This quote was a valuable reminder that leaders need to create space for their team members to contribute ideas and hold space for those ideas to evolve. Emerging leaders often bring fresh perspectives, and it’s the role of managers to recognize and nurture that passion, even when it challenges the status quo.
Rather than becoming frustrated with passionate employees, leaders should shine a light on them when they bring value. Developing the next generation of leaders isn’t just about giving them instructions- it’s about helping them:
•See their potential.
•Gain confidence in their abilities.
•Use their passion to serve the greater good of the organization and the people it supports.
How Emerging Leaders Can Bring Value Without Overstepping
During our mentorship discussion, we explored practical ways for passionate professionals to contribute meaningfully without disrupting organizational harmony. Here are some strategies I recommend:
1). Align Your Ideas with the Organization’s Mission:
Before presenting new ideas, consider how they fit into the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “How does this support the organization’s goals?”
2). Engage in Active Listening:
Listen to your manager, team, and other leaders to understand their priorities. Often, the right opportunity to introduce an idea comes after truly understanding the context.
3). Communicate Thoughtfully:
Frame your suggestions as collaborative opportunities rather than critiques. Use phrases like, “What if we considered…” or “How can I help us move in this direction?”
4). Relationships Across Teams:
Forming connections within your team and across departments can build trust and create natural opportunities to share ideas.
5). Show Your Value Consistently:
Demonstrate your commitment by doing excellent work and being reliable. When others see the value you bring, they’re more likely to listen when you introduce new ideas.
Advice for Managers: Encouraging Passion While Setting Boundaries
Managers play a pivotal role in harnessing the enthusiasm of emerging leaders. Here are some reminders for leaders when working with passionate team members:
1). Recognize Their Drive:
Rather than feeling threatened or frustrated by passionate employees, acknowledge their enthusiasm and encourage it.
2). Provide Constructive Guidance:
Help team members channel their passion in ways that align with the organization’s mission. Offer feedback that emphasizes how their ideas can be refined to fit the current priorities.
3). Create Opportunities for Growth:
Provide space for emerging leaders to shine. When they bring value, recognize their contributions publicly.
4). Mentor, Don’t Silence:
Passionate employees often need mentoring, not silencing. Help them see how to align their energy with organizational goals without losing their drive.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Balance, Listening, and Leadership
The conversation I had at the conference was a powerful reminder that passion without alignment can lead to burnout and frustration. But the answer isn’t to “shut up and follow the status quo”- it’s to listen carefully, align efforts with organizational goals, and learn to serve within the structure of the organization.
For emerging leaders, the challenge is to stay passionate while listening to what isn’t being said- the unspoken needs, expectations, and goals of the organization. For managers, the challenge is to create space for passionate employees to thrive, guiding them toward alignment without extinguishing their enthusiasm.
When employees and leaders meet at this intersection of passion and purpose, both the individual and the organization grow. Listening deeply, aligning intentionally, and leading with empathy are the keys to building impactful teams and sustainable success.
About Jamelia Hand, CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting LLC
Jamelia Hand is an experienced healthcare leader and the CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting LLC. With over 23 years in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and mental health, she has worked across sectors to build collaborative, person-centered solutions. Jamelia specializes in opioid treatment consulting, training, compliance, leadership development, and workforce training, helping organizations grow while serving their missions effectively.
Through mentoring and consulting, Jamelia empowers leaders at every level to align their passion with purpose, ensuring they bring value to their organizations and the communities they serve.
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