Thankful for Enthusiasm...

Yesterday, a Dale Carnegie Course graduate in the Philadelphia area spoke about what results she had gained from the program.

With energy and passion, she spoke of how important enthusiasm is to accomplishing tangible goals, both in her professional and personal life.  Her participation in the Dale Carnegie Course had shown her the different facets of enthusiasm...and how, when used in conjunction with specific Human Relations Principles, has created a powerful and sincere sense of teamwork and a "can-do" attitude in her departmnent.

There is much more to enthusiasm than what we may consider being a "cheerleader".  Enthusiasm is also about the passion that we show for our work and our lives.  It may manifest itself through our ability to adapt to change and be flexible, prioritize tasks, be more organized, etc.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it may be useful for us to be thankful for the many ways that we can show enthusiasm.  True leaders-those who others willingly follow, are models of enthusiasm.

When we're more enthusiastic, others will be more enthusiastic.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Getting Results Through Inspiration

Several years ago, a senior executive proudly stated that he had been quite successful in his career with a simple methodology.  He said that if people didn't like what he had to say, or they didn't like his plans and processes, that was their problem...and he was more than happy to "steam roll" them to get his way, because his way works.

Those who were listening to him were stunned.  What he either didn't realize or didn't want to realize was that at best he had been very fortunate that he had been successful so far.  Those who reported to him were looking for positions elsewhere.  Those who weren't felt trapped and demoralized.

This executive's organization came to understand that "my way or the highway" is not a mantra for leadership.  Two months later, this person had been let go.

The example above is fairly obvious...those who see management and leadership as simply using their position to strong arm results often fail in the long term.

What about those who manage in less obvious, yet equally damaging ways?  Many managers and executives are highly competent in knowledge of processes, procedures, and technical aspects of their responsibilities.  Many of these same managers fall short on being able to inspire others to higher levels of achievement, because their abilities to work with others effectively is seen as a "soft" skill.

Dale Carnegie celebrated our 97th anniversary on October 22.  In the 97 years of our existence, we have seen over and over again that while technical competence is important...the ability to inspire others in practical ways is far more important.

Perhaps your organization's managers and executives don't "steam roll" others to get results...but are they able to inspire others?

More inspiration equals more profitability.