Because I see the world through the lens of company culture, I am always peripherally aware of the work environments I enter. I immediately and unconsciously assess the “feel” of any workplace- how people speak, their moods, their energy levels- and how those behaviors impact the customer experience. Whether it be my favorite restaurant, the grocery store, the airport or my children’s school, I can tell instantly whether it’s a great place to work by the degree of passion people exhibit in their work. The greater the passion, the greater my propensity to become a loyal customer.

Just the other day, I was in a restaurant where one of the workers was dancing and singing as she greeted guests coming and going. I noticed every single customer that walked by caught her infectious smile, a few even chuckled at her mad dance moves. Some, including myself, praised her for her display of exuberance and encouraged her to continue- “You go, girl! Just look at the smiles walking out the door. Please, keep it up!”

Culture Spark helps leaders build culture as competitive advantage. We help companies identify, articulate and embrace what makes them special, in a way that resonates with their customers.

Do the people in your workplace exude passion? Do your leaders encourage it and lead by example? Are employees encouraged to be themselves and proudly display their unique approach to their work? Do me a favor, please, the next time you see this guy, or anyone like him showing passion for their work. Thank them for sharing their passion.