The Difference Between Meh or Magnificent
“Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss… But every once in a while, you find someone who’s iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, Flipped
There is an employee engagement survey question “do you have a best friend at work?” Most of my former coworkers would agree we were family. Our employer filed chapter 7 this year and I miss people the most.
Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly noticed someone who is the center of the room? Similarly, a person walks into the room and the entire place brightens up? This describes who I miss the most. A great business partner with infectious energy. I’ve found it is impossible to not change your state when she is present. The root is simple. She is passionate about what she does and; above all, she believes in her purpose. Her passion and belief fill her with energy which transfers to everyone in the room.
Enthusiasm is Key
For successful people, enthusiasm is a key driver of passion and achievement. It comes from within. Enthusiasm for a goal will produce energy driving you to do your best. The motivation generated will see the goal through to success.
As a leader, how can you expect your team to be excited about anything if you are not? Your enthusiasm towards the goal will inspire your team’s enthusiasm. Leadership is a transfer of beliefs witnessed through the leader’s actions.
“Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles. “ Og Mandino
Job Seekers Must Bring It
For job seekers out there, this is very important too.
My 16-year-old has been applying for his first job and the only advice I have given him is bring energy. This will allow people to know that you are serious and interested. Also, they will enjoy the time spent with you more and will invest more time getting to know you. A CEO I worked with would say this, “if you deliver at a 10 people will receive it at an 8. If you bring it at an 8 they will receive it at a 6 and if you bring it at a 6 you are doomed.”
It Must Be Natural
Most importantly, you must know our 10’s are not the same. I’m naturally loud so when I bring my ‘A’ game it is heard. This will not be natural and will not produce results for the more subdued.
One of the most successful salespeople I worked with was the very professional, quiet, confident type. He hardly made a peep until he greeted a customer. Welcoming a prospective client, is when the transformation began. He stood taller, smiled bigger and raised his voice just enough to show that he was engaged and making an extra effort. This is his 10, allowing the transfer of his excitement to the customer getting the sale every time.
Enthusiasm Can Be Done Wrong
Certainly, it can be done wrong because enthusiasm requires preparation. Energy without purpose is just noise. I’ve witnessed leaders conduct meetings with tremendous amounts of energy – loud, boisterous. They stand on chairs, wave their arms, they may be so excited they spittle a little and this results in nothing. After the meeting their team just walks away with no clear marching orders. Their lack of results is caused by lack of purpose or direction. The act was all just rah-rah which certainly will not get people to act. Leaders must prepare. Energy must be a result of your intense engagement about your purpose and that must be what comes through. Not rah-rah, blah blah blah.
Take on this week with enthusiasm and you will see what a difference it makes.
“It’s faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” Norman Vincent Peale