What is passion?

“An intense desire or enthusiasm for something”.

“A state or outburst of strong emotion”.

“Strong and barely controllable emotion”.

There are so many definitions of passion when we look them up on the Internet. Passion is one of those words that people use often without understanding the actual meaning of the word. Mostly when people refer to "passion", they mean strong emotions reflecting an intense desire or boundless enthusiasm.

Let me share a real-life example here.

After some relaxation by the Delhi govt, the businesses started to open up. People started moving out, offices started functioning with reduced capacities, and so on. On Sunday my wife and I decided that we need to change our washing machine. So, we went out to a renowned electronics store.

We stood in a queue, and we maintained the guidelines of “Social Distancing”. Our body temperature was checked and sanitizers were provided to rub the hands before we entered the premises, it was a multi-level store so limited people were allowed to go into sections, and finally, we were asked to come in. So far so good.

Understandably the store had reduced the number of staff, but the air conditioners were off too. We waited patiently for the salesperson to come and advise us on the various features of the washing machine so that we could shortlist one. Back in the days if you were to visit any electronic store there would be a person right at the door to grab the opportunity and help you make the purchase. And today even though there were salespersons wandering around, they seemed inattentive and not in the spirit to work.

After some time, one person came to attend us. He had a similar inattentive attitude, but when we insisted and asked a couple of questions, he called one of his seniors/colleagues and asked him to help us. Finally, after speaking to him and doing some online research, we made the purchase.

After the sale was closed, I asked him about his behaviour. He opened up and said that he hasn’t been paid and is afraid that the store might shut down, which was also the reason behind the air conditioners being switched off, as the management was massively cost-cutting, at least that’s what he felt. Since the management wasn’t communicating with the employees, he felt uncertain about his future.

His passion for sales was being diminished by the irresponsible behaviour of the management. Understandably, current situations are not in control of the management but communication is the least that could be done.

Imagine when the gyms open up and you haven’t spoken to your team in weeks, they will be in a similar situation. Similar to the salesperson, they'd have lost the passion to serve the members. The times are tough for all of us, but communicating with our team and keeping that thread of conversation alive, is the least we could do.

Remember you would need the teams in action as the gyms open up, and they are the ones who will be serving the members. Take care of them today so that they can take care of your business tomorrow.

Imagine if our Prime Minister enforced the 8-week long lockdown but didn’t communicate with the citizens about how the things were being handled, how would you feel? Would you feel uncertain about the future? Would you be anxious? Would there be fear? The answer to all those questions is YES. Similarly, YOU, as leaders have a role to play, to communicate.

This Covid-19 or Coronavirus has brought the world to a standstill, our gyms are shut, the entire economy has come to a standstill. But there’s still light visible at the end of the tunnel. Things will be better tomorrow. What we do today will effect our tomorrow.

It‘s frightening but there are things we’ve no control over. You can’t do anything about the situation right now but you can surely control how it affects you. While you can’t control your feelings, you can control your actions and strive to make a better future for yourself, your business, and the ones who work with you.

Profits shall come if there is a purpose in what you do and you take care of your People.

Written By - Vikas Jain

Managing Director

Anytime Fitness India