Enthusiasm is Contagious

Its important to remember that there are many successful leadership styles and not all styles are suitable for all organizations.  Military demeanors don't always translate well to the private sector just as not all business leaders would find success as the coach of a basketball or football team.  Similarly the leader of a prison gang may not possess skills that would be found in the leader of a non-profit organization.

However, some traits appear to be universally present in the greatest of leaders.  Prominent among these is zeal or enthusiasm.  No matter how you slice it leaders don't get far without it.  It may not always be a positive, bubbly zeal, but call it enthusiasm, drive, or determination, when present in the leader it will spread rapidly through a team.  People are naturally attached to the energy that enthusiasm projects.  This sense of energy drives people and teams to higher and higher levels of effort and achievement.

Soooooo... just how and in heck do you get it?  Most leadership guides will tell you to love what you do and it will come naturally.  Of course, that is clearly the easiest and most direct way, but even then no job or task is ever totally infused with things we love.  Players may love the games but hate the practices, doctors may love helping people but hate the paperwork, its a part of life that with the good there is also the bad.  However, being mindful of some simple concepts can fuel your own enthusiasm and that of your team.

Present a positive outlook.  Looking for negatives is easy, critics are easy to find.  The leader is the one who knows that success is attainable, and who digs in the hardest when the going is toughest.  Help your team look for the "here's how we'll make it happen" rather then making the list of why "it can never happen".

Live and lead with passion.  Leaders want to be leaders, whether they know it or not.  They get out in front and eagerly push the envelope.  Passion is easy to spot but not always easy to achieve, but just by remembering how important it is you can find your way to becoming "passionate about passion".

Above all else, perseverance.  No one is perfect, and no leader is either.  For all the times things are going great, there will be not so great times as well.  Never dwell on the failures, examine them, vow to not repeat them, but don't become engrossed in them.  Make yourself and your team push on, people follow the one who refuses to give up!

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