Enthusiasm is born in the Operational dialog
When most people decide on goals or targets, what usually happens is they move directly from goals to action. Why do they do so? Do you?
Do we really believe that a good action plan rests on goals? Do we think that goals is what leads to action? Why should or shouldn't we think so? These are the questions that precede why enthusiasm is dead - ready to be replaced with the more meaningful word 'passion'. I promised to share this in my next post.
You see, goals are nothing but cold definitions of what needs to be achieved. There are no emotions nor feelings in them - take a look at these examples;
- 24% return on investment by the 31st of Dec
- USD 10 Million revenue through partners in year XX
- X amount of <something> by <date> etc
How on earth are you going to produce enthusiastic actions based on lifeless measures like this?! Maybe, if the 24% ROI goes right into your own pocket, it might generate some enthusiasm... If USD 10 mill revenue means something more than just money it might trigger a feeling or two. In general, however, there needs to be an emotional link between targets and actions. Producing action plans based on goals is like commanding someone to laugh heartily before telling the joke, to demand instant fear without being scary or to call for palpitation without the event that naturally triggers it. Come on!
Enthusiasm is a lot like this. A lot of times it's not real, and mostly based on goals not worthy of excitement, because there is no qualitative link to the heart. When this happens, enthusiasm communicates deception, not passion. In those cases - better leave it be. Be yourself, that's a lot more effective. Then, when you feel the REAL emotions of excitement, make sure to not hold back - if the timing is right.
You may be thinking: Then how am I to get excited and enthused - so that I can share a convincing message with a spark that triggers the same in others? Yes, you're right. That's what's needed, as always. Absolutely!
There is a way - thee way; we first need to be convinced ourselves. Really convinced. Inner conviction - or passion - is what we need. And to get passion; that will require an effort! The effort needed is what I refer to as the Operational dialog. (For an online multimedia presentation on the subject, click here.)
Comments
Great Article
Jan Blomquist
Wednesday 02 January 2008 5:41:22 am
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