I had dinner with a long-time friend the other night.

We’d both got news to share, and he was his usual, generous self in asking first about me.

And then we got on to the interesting bit.

He told me about his new, sideways move, to a different department, in a chance to return to the same geographical area he’d worked many years ago, now managing a new team. A move that came after 5 years of him feeling lost and unfulfilled and unhappy.

In only a few weeks he’s got his spirit back, he understands once more why he’s doing the job he’s doing, he’s reconnecting with a vast network of communities and individuals he’s been separated from of late, and he’s loving every minute.

If we’re lucky, we spend a lot of time at our work, our profession, our day job.

And if we’re lucky, we can have passion for our work.  But passion can come and go – and my, it’s wonderful when it returns, and simply joyous to see it once more make a reappearance in a friend’s life.

My friend’s reputation has always preceded him – I think he perhaps just didn’t know it.

And now I feel thrilled for all those people he’s managing.  Because they’re going to get the most amazing leader to direct and support them. Someone who can pass on amazing knowledge and skills, and inspire them to find – or even rediscover – their own passion for work.