We often get entranced by new things. As a software engineer, I found myself drawn to every new computer, operating system and application for many years.

But that was just me. Everybody has different things that turn them on!

Why should we care? Because you have to realize that the things that get you excited may not at all be what thrills your employees. Or customers.

I have a friend who claims that she “dreams in spreadsheets.” While I’m OK in that area, I certainly don’t confess affection for them. They’re just tools.

Another friend is a lawyer, and was relating some of the recent developments around copyrights, business registrations, and tax categories. Boy, that sure isn’t me!

But it’s great that there are others with passions around those topics. For me, it’s about people making progress toward their dream, and having an impact in the community. That comes out in different ways depending on who I’m talking with.

This isn’t an earth-shaking observation, so what do we do with it?

The point is that to engage an employee or customer at the emotional level, you have to find out what turns THEM on. What ignites their passion.

Which means you have to listen. And be open to whatever magic comes forward.