Enthusiasm is Contagious
Have you ever watched two people engaged in a conversation and noticed that when one is telling a story, the second mirrors their facial expressions? When the story-teller smiles, the listener smiles. When the story-teller furrows their brow, guess what? So does the listener. You get what I’m saying.
It’s the same in business. When a shop-keeper speaks enthusiastically about the benefits of a product the shop is selling, the potential buyer responds with mirrored enthusiasm (you hope). When the colleague you share a desk with greets you first thing in the morning with a smile and welcoming ‘hello’, you respond back in a similar fashion.
Enthusiasm IS contagious!
And here’s what you should do to create enthusiasm, and why it’s important when managing a team.
1. Lead by example: our teams watch. They study how we as leaders work, how we handle situations and they learn from that. They are constantly watching – your mannerisms, your encounters with other staff, clients and suppliers, your reactions and your behaviour. Much of their work experience is learnt behaviour, from you! If you want enthusiastic and bright employees who treat your customers and suppliers the way that you hope, let them learn it from you.
2. Adjust your leadership style: a great leader works alongside their team, rather than dictating to them how to perform their job. As a leader, if you are sharing responsibility (essential acting as part of the wider team), you are promoting a collaborative environment which is ideal for efficiency and output.
3. Engage your team members: once you have a collaborative working environment, engage with your team more and get to know them. Learn what they’re good at, where they excel, how they like to work and where their strengths can benefit the wider team. Let them focus on that, empower their talents and show good work for greater outcomes.
4. Communicate: just as enthusiasm is contagious, lethargy or lack of interest can also be mirrored. Communicate with others if you’re having an off day (because we all do), so that they know it’s not them or their performance causing your shift in mood.
5. Show consistency in your behaviour: set the standard around behaviour, mannerisms and communication by being consistent.
6. Do the same for others: ensure that when your team is excited about something, you show the same level of enthusiasm and therefore respect.
After being a small business owner for 25 years, I sold my business to concentrate on my true passion: people.
I want to help you find your WHY and your HOW, and to make the necessary changes to improve your business and personal life. Taking control of where you are, but more importantly where you want to be, is what it is all about.
You need to work out what is stopping you, and what changes need to be made or improved on, so you can move forward with gusto and determination. Go get the life you want, it's ready for you!
I’d love to hear from you. x TM.
