Hi, Paul - good article, all though ...

... You almost lost me when you mentioned "fun" the first time:)

I have been in workplaces where "fun" translated to "We can good off at work while getting paid", losing sight of the overall organizational goals, and concentrating only on being entertained.  Sometimes an entitlement mentality appeared, where "fun" was the reason for being at work, rather than a healthy outcome of pursuing our passions.

You provide some solid thinking about how to meld "fun" with "passion" and "achievement", while still relying on competence.

When I have gained competence in something, and am allowed to display that competence in pursuit of organizational goals, I consider this to be a real good example of "fun".

When I am pushed to participate in something someone else has decided should be "fun" for me, I am not a happy worker.

I would add that "fun" requires a consideration of context.  While the doctors, nurses, counselors, or teachers in their lounges or offices might enjoy some "gallows" humor to alleviate the all-too-real pressures of their work, that same "fun" would not be appropriate with clients, families, in the operating room or the classroom.

Thanks for a thoughtful article:)

John