Increased training and mentoring of new faculty may prevent or delay early burn-out and loss of talented faculty to industry. I've never been passionate about only one thing, that's one of the attractions of a small liberal arts college. In terms of leadership, I find knowledge and essential prerequisite to decision-making. If I want to petition for funds to remodel a lab, or to hire a new faculty member, or even to build a new building, knowledge is essential. Administrators, board members, funding agencies, all need to know the justifications for a project, its projected impact, and its probable cost.
Good preparation is essential before launching any project, it saves time, trouble, and tempers.
This may sound like a dull topic to be passionate about, but I've seen too may great ideas shot down or ignored because someone didn't do the necessary research.