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180 Ways to Spread Contagious Enthusiasm
©Barbara Glanz Communications, Inc.
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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chapter One
Creative Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter Two
Atmosphere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter Three
Appreciation for All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter Four
Respect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter Five
Reason for Being . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter Six
Empathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Chapter Seven
Enthusiasm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Closing Thoughts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
About Barbara Glanz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
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Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm. ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge I f you had to identify the key characteristics that separate highly successful organizations (and their leaders) from “the rest of the pack,” what would be on the very top of your list? Would it be competency? A strong work ethic? The ability to adapt to continual change? Teamwork and cooperation? To be sure, those traits are important for any organization in any industry. But, after years of studying and working with top-notch businesses, I’ve learned that there’s an even more important ingredient in the recipe of professional success: ENTHUSIASM. More precisely, it’s con- tagious enthusiasm. And it’s the key to creating workplaces that are more caring, motivated, cus- tomer oriented – and, as a result, more committed and productive. Why is enthusiasm so important? Research provides the answer. Study after study has shown that workers want much more from their jobs than just benefits and money. They also want (even expect) to perform meaningful work that they can be proud of – and they want to do it in a pos- itive, appreciative business environment. The more these needs are met, the greater the likelihood that employees will respond with the very best they have to give. That’s why it’s critical that lead- ers at all levels foster an atmosphere that is inclusive, caring, creative, appreciative, and yes, con- tagiously enthusiastic. And this handbook will show you how to do just that! In the pages that follow, you’ll find 180 ideas, tips, and strategies which any organization can — 5 —
adopt (or adapt) to increase its levels of overall enthusiasm and “spirit.” While much of the
content presented is directed primarily to those in a leadership role, you’ll also find many helpful
hints for nonmanagement employees who wish to help build contagious enthusiasm in their work
units as well.
Using the acronym C. A. R. E., this work is comprised of seven chapters – one for each of the
elements of a spirited, productive workplace:
C = Creative Communication
A = Atmosphere and Appreciation for All
R = Respect and Reason for Being
E = Empathy and Enthusiasm
In each of the chapters I have included dozens of mostly no-cost or low-cost ideas which can be
implemented almost immediately in today’s workplaces to engender a new spirit of commitment and
joy.
Common sense, as well as much current research, tells us that motivated, enthused employ-
ees are more productive employees. And it’s no secret that satisfied customers are repeat cus-
tomers. So, pay attention to and apply what you’re about to read. Implementing even just a hand-
ful of these suggestions will not only help you to boost morale, it will also bring you closer to
achieving the ultimate results you want and need. People will sense your excitement – and they’ll
want to be part of it. When that happens, everyone wins!
Read on … lead on … spread the enthusiasm!
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