Feeling driven, passionate, and ambitious — these are words often thrown around in the management language of my work and business environment. Yet, we rarely delve into their depth and true value. What do these words really mean? And how do they impact individuals, businesses, and customers? Do the words themselves matter, or is it the underlying meaning that counts? When and how should these concepts be integrated into the business context?
Many companies recognize the need for discussions related to personal growth and development, often referred to as appraisal interviews or performance reviews. In more progressive organizations, these conversations may now be labeled as reflective conversations. While the new terminology seems more appealing, it raises questions about whether these exchanges are genuine and whether they address the essence of the matter. Are we incorporating the same concepts I began this article with? And what does “development of people” truly entail and aim for?
As an individual, these questions are of great importance to me. Equally significant is the need to address them as a manager and give them a place within the business. While we often resort to generic business language, we neglect the power of emotions and deeper understanding. The right words may not always fit, especially when we are still searching for our own paths.
Last year, I participated in the Business & Spirituality Program at Nyenrode, led by Sharda Nandram. After a long wait, the program finally materialized. Time was necessary for the convergence of
various currents — the flow of my own experiences, the flow of those around me, and the flow within the business organization. Even the flow of the universe played a part. This is where passion emerges: the feeling of being guided to explore and engage in dialogue.
It’s astounding how currents align and energy materializes. In recent years, I’ve encountered individuals who were previously unseen to me. They were always there, but perhaps the timing wasn’t right for our paths to intersect or for me to truly perceive them. Unveiling the layers, seeing beyond masks and discomfort, requires me to embrace my authentic self and shed my own masks.
Why now? What has changed? And does it truly matter to know the answers intellectually, or is it more important to feel the transformation and give it substantial meaning? For me, it’s the latter.
The more I reveal my true being, the more I invite others to do the same. Whether they choose to embrace this invitation or not is inconsequential. The essence lies in forging genuine connections, rather than “acting” within the confines of preconceived frameworks.
This is undoubtedly the biggest pitfall in the business world. While job profiles and expectations may shape and direct our actions, we must ponder the deeper significance of our roles. What does the company truly seek to manifest through those business words? That should be the focus of our conversations. I have yet to find another term for these discussions, as I believe they are all one and the same — moments of connection, exploration, and discovery between individuals, driven by the potential that awaits realization.
As a Sales Manager, my responsibility lies in delivering results. The sales world revolves around this objective, which may seem contradictory at times. As a colleague once remarked, sales is often associated with relentless persuasion, disregarding the human aspect. While I understand this perspective, I perceive things differently. The question we should ask is whether what we are selling holds intrinsic value. Engaging in a dialogue about this value proposition, regardless of its nature, is inherently interesting. Additionally, we must consider the value of the company itself. Are we, in Sales, effectively conveying and supporting that value in the market, or is there more to explore?
I firmly believe that true value flows naturally and seeks to manifest itself. It is our responsibility as human beings to investigate and uncover it. This requires us to embrace different languages, alternative expressions that can capture the essence of this value. It is not about being soft or ethereal; on the contrary, learning this new language can be more challenging than ever before.
From my position as a Sales Manager in a large organization, I see this as a compelling opportunity. By embracing flow and understanding the deeper meaning behind our business conversations, we can make the sales process easier. It allows us to align our actions with the natural current and tap into the power of genuine connection. However, this journey is not without its challenges. As I strive to take this concept further within my role, I recognize the need to take risks. It means fully embracing my own authenticity and vulnerability. It means removing the masks that shield me from being seen and stepping into the spotlight.
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