We are all endowed with freewill and the power of choice.

We are empowered to choose our own path [and the consequences that come with it]. The good news is we can choose a different path at any time.

The reality is, if we do not choose our path we will not be committed to it and the journey will be more difficult—not only for us, but those who are journeying with us. Further, not only will we be less inclined to invest energy into the journey we do not choose, but we will also be more inclined to give up when faced with struggles and roadblocks.

Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, popularized the metaphor of a bus and the importance of getting the right people on the bus and in the right seats. To have the wrong people on the bus is disruptive. It is better to stop the bus and invite the wrong people off the bus than to try to change them along the way.

To use a different analogy, imagine a football team. You are the head coach and you are recruiting players for your team. You walk into a room filled with talented athletes. How do you select the right players to assemble a team with the greatest potential? I suggest that the first question to ask each athlete is, “how much do you love the game of football?”

If their answers were given as a number between 0-10, which players would likely be the best choice? Those that answer 10! Everything is easier when internal desires and passions are aligned with the game [aka mission].

Imagine, if instead your initial selection criterion was to evaluate physical conditioning. You might end up with a team of athletes but who are not driven to use those talents for football. It would be better to find out what sport they like most and encourage them to pursue that than trying to get them to fall in love with football.

Unfortunately, too many managers hire “athletes” than those who have passion for the game/mission.

That is why great leaders do not try to change people. Change must come from within.

Rather, great leaders create an environment that encourages and supports beneficial change and that attracts and retains talented people who share their passion for the mission.

Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.