In his piece The Four-Letter Word That Makes You and Your Work Irresistible for Issue 71 of ChangeThis, author Mark Sanborn (I'll pass on his titles) asks why Love is a four-letter word in the business world.
He starts by sharing this bit of personal history:
My editor at the time deleted the word love every place I used it. Instead, he suggested
using the phrase “generosity of spirit.”
“Why not love?” I inquired.
“Because the word love freaks out businesspeople,” he responded."
During an hotel stay, he was reminded of the meaning of 'love' in work.
a little cheese to an egg-white omelet;” I shared with Jeremy, “otherwise it’s just too boring.”
“Not my omelets!” he boomed. “They’re never boring. That’s because I add a special ingredient.
He paused for effect. “I make my omelets with loooovvvveeee!”
His unorthodox pronouncement got my attention, but I smiled politely and took the plate.
With one bite, I could tell that Jeremy had created an extraordinary dish for me. A few moments later,
he came by the table to see how I liked it. I told him it was terrific, probably because it was made
with love. Jeremy got serious for a moment and said, “If you can’t do it with love, why do it at all?”
I will let you read the rest of Mark's thoughts.
Let me add my observations.
Are some companies so scripted that there is no room left for passion and individuality?
Consistency does not mean blandness.
Can there be passion if there is no honesty, like being able to talk to your customers not just about your favorites but those things you're not crazy about rather than calling everything 'great'?
Which brings to my lips, "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" (by Duke Ellington).
Love that Work for Monday Work Etiquette # 143
Previously: Danny Meyer, Peter Gordon and Carlo Cracco on
Restaurants Recipes for Success