Passion is an over-used word in local government, especially in job interviews. Candidates for management posts are always ‘passionate' about the service, empowering staff or citizens, about choice and quality, but mostly just passionate.

Do you need to be so passionate? Isn't it enough to be a competent professional? Must a manager be passionate to be thought of as a leader? Is passion a prerequisite for successful leadership? And, can you tell when they're faking it?