Passion is defined as any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling.

Those of you who know me, know I am foodie. First book I bought for my new iPad is Life on the Line: A Chef’s Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat by and about Grant Achatz and his partner Nick Kokonas. I bought it not because he is the chef who had tongue cancer but because he’s a Chicago Chef who won critical acclaim at a very young age. I have not yet finished the book and find myself slowing down to savor it like a good meal. Grant is passionate about his work, food, patrons, and restaurant.

Now I can’t seem to get him out of my head and he’s in the May 2010 Atlantic – creating again and sharing his passion. Grant lives and breathes his passion for food in a way no one else thinks about food. It’s a great book and I highly recommend it. But that brings me to this post.

I believe we have to have passion to work in the nonprofit sector. If we are not as passionate about our work as Grant is about his cooking, we do a disservice to ourselves and our organizations. When Grant started cooking he wasn’t paid well or even appreciated for his passion and commitment. As a nonprofit professional, I can understand that. Grant continued and followed his passion because it was his passion, not for fame or money. He leads his kitchen with passion.

I am fortunate to have terrific colleagues, clients and volunteers who are passionate about their work. I am proud, honored and inspired to work with them. We share a common passion.

We must be motivated by a passion to make change. We must share our passion with our staff, volunteers and leaders. We must raise money because we believe in the mission with great passion. Our lives need to be full of something we are passionate about – a person, pet, hobby, sport. But to work to live, we must have passion.