Is there anything more frustrating than trying to accomplish a big goal with someone who\u2019s negative, unimaginative, and defensive?<\/p>\n\n
Thankfully, it\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve tried. But I\u2019ve had my share in the past, and I can tell you that nothing will kill an organization\u2019s productivity and vision like a can\u2019t-do<\/em> person.<\/p>\n But if this kind of cynicism brings a team down, what can lift it up?<\/p>\n Several weeks ago my team and I met to review our business and make plans for the coming year. The whole process was exhilarating, but one part that stands out for me was when we discussed our values.<\/p>\n We identified what really matters to us about the way we work and collaborate. It was important for us to identify not what we wanted to be<\/em>, but who we really are<\/em>.<\/p>\n People began throwing different qualities on the board, and we built out a good list. But it didn\u2019t feel complete. Something was missing. Finally someone mentioned the infectious enthusiasm of a fellow teammate.<\/p>\n Bam!<\/em> That was it. Infectious Enthusiasm.<\/em><\/p>\n Everyone on our team has this quality, but sometimes the fish don\u2019t notice the water they\u2019re swimming in. We needed to identify it, highlight it, underscore it, and put it in BIG LETTERS.<\/p>\n Infectious enthusiasm is a key ingredient in a team worth working for. Talent, skill, expertise are only part of the picture. If you\u2019re not bringing energy, optimism, and creativity to the party, it won\u2019t be much fun. Why?<\/p>\n