I love being around folks that love what they do. That’s one of the reasons I love my HR Twitter network. Passionate visionaries give me a charge. I want to know their story. I want to know the highs and lows, especially the lows because that’s where you find growth. When things are easy and going well, anyone can be a leader. However great leaders find a way to succeed when their backs against the wall and it’s do or die. The journey comes down to passion, love, vision and commitment.

Here are two of my favorite inspirations out there. The first comes from a book by Jim Collins “Good to Great”. I know what you’re thinking, not the “get on the bus”, “seat at the table” spill. No! I’m not going there.  The book illustrates how certain businesses outperformed and outgrew others in the same market. It boils down to leadership and strategy. But here’s what resonates within me; Collins says, the thing that keeps most companies from being great, is being good. Good is the enemy of great.

My next inspiration is Alan Mulally, the CEO of Ford Motor Company. First, Ford didn’t take bailout money. Mulally felt strongly that Ford could be profitable again without any handouts, and was right. As a kid he loved the Mustang, so when he took over as CEO he brought back the muscle to the Mustang, and then the flagship Taurus and finally new exciting models like the Fusion, Focus and Edge. He made them more fuel efficient. He also made them more modern with Sync technology. Recently, they announced they would no longer put CD players in their cars (remember the cassette tape). What he has done is fascinating.

Each person defines their own success in life. There was a time when I wanted to be a millionaire and have all these things that money can buy, but now it’s more important to be helpful and productive. I have goals and they’re pretty ambitious. I am very knowledge and capable. I surround myself and learn from passionate individuals, in and out of the HR field. I want to reach as many folks as I can with my HR voice. I want to continue to do what I can to help any organization or individual attain their goals. Right now I’m doing okay but that’s not good enough.

Today’s guest post is from Chris Fields, creator of costofwork.com, he has a Masters in HR &Labor Relations from Ohio State University.He’s done some consulting and training and development. He’s on Twitter @new_resource also on LinkedIn.

Photo Credit: Kurtis Bechard an incredible 20 year old graphics design student.