What did you used to want to be when you grew up? What did your parents want you to do and what kind of work did they do themselves? Consider too, what work they did not want you to do. As soon as you begin to be influenced by dreams of others you start to conform and put your own dreams aside in favour of convention. Sometimes too, you end up working in an area in which you are skilled and experienced, often relating to subject you were best at in school.

Unfortunately, what you are best at, is not always same as what you love to do.

Think about what you do that fills you with energy, makes you want to get up in morning and causes time to fly. Conversely, think about what makes you feel tired, bores you, or you always leave until last. If you know what you don't like to do, maybe you enjoy doing opposite?

Why passion matters -------------------- Anyone lucky enough to really enjoy work they do, will be enthusiastic about their career. That enthusiasm will be evident to clients and colleagues, and in turn, will lead to success.

When you do something you love this enthusiasm keeps you motivated through bad times, but maybe, more importantly, it allows you to be authentic.

Kathleen Bader, is Business Group President at DOW. 'Unless you work according to your passion and your values you have no hope of living authentically,' she said.

Bader is passionate about equality and has used her strong beliefs to initiate such changes within company that it now boasts a range of women friendly policies relating to maternity leave and flexible working among others.

'Leadership is action, not position,' Bader continued, advising that we care deeply, listen, act according to our passions and tell our stories. These days we are encouraged to admit to a private life and a family outside work. Talking about them shows that we are whole and normal human beings, not automatons.

As we move from age of technology to age of spirituality, more and more individuals and companies recognise value of authenticity, energy and engagement. The success of a business depends on personal success of its employees. Be good to yourself and your company and find your passion now.

======================================= Are You Really Doing What You Were Put On This Earth To Do? Do you love your work or hate it? Find Your Passion when you buy book by Jo Parfitt here... at http://www.BookShaker.com =======================================

How often have you heard - "Sorry 'bout that, give me details and I'll sort this out for you." Far better to say - "I apologise for …."

And if you really need to use "sorry" word, make sure to include it as part of a full sentence. "I'm sorry you haven't received that information as promised Mr Smith." (Again, it's good practise to use person's name).

There are other things you can say instead of sorry -

12. Empathise

The important thing to realise when dealing with a difficult person is to:

Deal with their feelings - then deal with their problem.

Using empathy is an effective way to deal with a person's feelings. Empathy isn't about agreement, only acceptance of what person is saying and feeling. Basically message is - "I understand how you feel."

Obviously this has to be a genuine response, person will realise if you're insincere and they'll feel patronised.

Examples of an empathy response would be - "I can understand that you're angry," or "I see what you mean." Again, these responses need to be genuine.

13. Build Rapport

Sometimes it's useful to add another phrase to empathy response, including yourself in picture. - "I can understand how you feel, I don't like it either when that happens to me" This has effect of getting on other persons side and builds rapport.

Some people get concerned when using this response, as they believe it'll lead to "Well why don't you do something about it then." The majority of people won't respond this way if they realise that you are a reasonable and caring person. If they do, then continue empathising and tell person what you'll do about situation.

14. Under promise - over deliver

Whatever you say to resolve a situation, don't make a rod for your own back. We are often tempted in a difficult situation to make promises that are difficult to keep. We say things like - "I'll get this sorted this afternoon and phone you back." It may be difficult to get it sorted "this afternoon". Far better to say - "I'll get this sorted by tomorrow lunchtime." Then phone them back that afternoon or early next morning and they'll think you're great.

You don't win them all

Remember, everyone gets a little mad from time to time, and you won't always be able to placate everyone, - there's no magic formula. However, majority of people in this world are reasonable people and if you treat them as such, then they're more likely to respond in a positive manner.

Some more thoughts

These notes are primarily designed to help deal with difficult people when we have made a mistake. We often have to deal with other people where we have not made a mistake however people we're dealing with often prove to be difficult and unwilling to accept what we say.

We therefore need to demonstrate assertive behaviour that helps us communicate clearly and confidently our needs, wants and feelings to other people without abusing in any way their human rights.

Some books to read

A Woman in Your Own Right - Anne Dickson

Feel Fear and Do It Anyway - Susan Jeffers

Irresistibility - Philippa Davis

Why Men don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps - Allan & Barbara Pease