If You Aren’t Fired With Enthusiasm, You’ll Be Fired With Enthusiasm

"If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you'll be fired with enthusiasm."
- Vince Lombardi

The funny thing is, it happens ALL the time. And people wonder . . . what happened?:

• "I went to work every day."
• "I was there on time."
• "I did what they told me to do."

It's all about PERCEPTION. I know I'm going to get a lot of flak for saying it, but it really comes down to how your superiors, your peers and your team perceive you.

You can be the hardest working individual in the company. The smartest. The fastest. You might be the only one on the block who hits his or her numbers.

But when the chips are down, you are shown the door. 

Here's a little secret: It's how others perceive your ENTHUSIASM.

• Are you a cheerleader?
• Do you take on your responsibilities with gusto?
• Do you deliver them on time AND let others know about it?
• Do you BRAG?
• Do you ask for more work?
• Do you help your boss with some of his or her burning issues?
• Are you constantly thinking outside of the box?

It's not only your enthusiasm that makes a difference, it's how others feel, encounter, and experience your enthusiasm.

My son was told by his teacher one day to add more 'pizazz' to his class presentation. "Go outside of the box - make it memorable." So he did — he thought of ways to make it more engaging and fun — and he got an 'A' on it. How can you add 'pizazz' to everything you do? (By the way - he now adds 'pizazz' to everything he does).

Take a second and think of the most enthusiastic people you know. You know — the ones who hit their desk on Monday with a smile, dives right into their work, always has a positive thing to say about the company AND never gossips.

How are their careers doing? Are on the hot projects? Are they invited to the cool meetings? Are they asked out to lunch by upper management?

They probably are.

Today's charge: How can you add just a little bit of enthusiasm to your job today?

Rich Gee is a certified business and career coach, based locally in Connecticut. Visit his website: Rich Gee Group and to submit your business and career questions to Rich at richgee@richgee.com.