The following is a short book preview contributed by the Ohio State University Leadership Center.

Do’s and Don’ts of Enthusiasm

From:  Kilts, J.M. (2007). Doing what matters: how to get results that make a difference – the revolutionary old-school approach.  New York: Crown Business.

• Don’t view enthusiasm as a onetime event; a call-to-action speech at a sales meeting has value, but it’s not enthusiasm.
• Do think of enthusiasm as a nonstop activity, assuring people throughout the organization that they have all the talent, tools, and capabilities necessary to succeed.
• Don’t think that people will be turned off by overcommunicating.
• Do talk often, and do it with consistency and confidence.
• Don’t worry about repetition causing listener fatigue or indifference, people will be more concerned if they think you’re changing course or altering your prior messages.
• Do communicate a sense of urgency and need for action.
• Don’t assume that a ‘stay-the-course’ message can energize people; a call to maintain the status quo is not a motivator.
• Do make your expectations and accountability clear.  People must understand the specifics of what you want and how you’ll judge them.
• Don’t assume that scapegoating and witch-hunting will produce positive results.  An environment of fear and apprehension cripples creativity and stifles imitative (Kilts, 2007, p. 78-79).

Doing What Matters is available on loan from the Ohio State University Leadership Center. To borrow this resource or any other resource, please go to the resource search page.

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The OSU Leadership Center is home to a wealth of resources to help you and the people you work with improve your leadership and interpersonal skills. Please check the materials in our Lending Library (available to you for a small annual fee), Leadership Publications (absolutely free), and links to other leadership-related information.

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