OPUSBOB: On Effort and Enthusiasm
June 2, 2011 – 9:15 amI want to talk to you today about when you’re thinking about how much effort you put into what you do, and whether or not anybody actually notices. The reason for this story is because I had an opportunity to talk with the candidate just recently and they said to me, “hey Bob, you really like what you do, I can tell you really enjoy it. And this was a very interesting time for me to learn about myself. I went through this one other time and it was so obvious that the person who was reviewing my profile with me was bored. They just mailed it in and there was nothing that I really got out of that experience.” And it made me realize that people really do see the difference. People can recognize when you’re putting forth an effort to make it special and to make it good.
There are repetitive aspects of everybody’s job. Think about the Broadway actor who is playing Hamlet and needs to read “To be or not to be” six nights a week and for two matinees. But just as every single audience is different, every single candidate is different, every single client is different and you need to look what you do in the eyes of the people that you’re delivering your work for — embrace how they will feel about it, look at how they will view it and you’ll be able to move beyond any aspect of repetitive boredom.
Really enjoy and embrace what you do. There is so much pleasure in what we get to do and how we’re able to work with people. You need to take advantage of that, just like the sign says at my pet store that we visit, Bark Less, Wag More. Thanks for your time.
Tags: Business Leadership, candidate assessment, Effort, Enthusiasm, Opus Productivity, Opusbob, Performance
5 Responses to “OPUSBOB: On Effort and Enthusiasm”
nice post bob! I agree with you not only people notice when you show that you care about what you are doing, but putting some passion in your daily tasks makes them more enjoyable too. I guess it was balzac who said, “if you cannot do what you want, you should want what you do”, or something like that…best, maria.
By maria on Jun 2, 2011
Bob,
Great job! Attitude, effort and enthusiasm make all the difference in the world. Thanks for reminding us…
Phil Nasser
By Phil Nasser on Jun 2, 2011
Thanks, Maria. My Mom and Dad had many important lessons for me while growing up, but one of the strongest ones was to find work that you can genuinely love, and when you do, the money will follow. That has certainly been true throughout my career. Thanks for you comment. It is always nice to hear from you. Bob
By Bob Kreisberg on Jun 2, 2011
Thanks, Phil. Attitude isn’t everything – but without it, ability and talent is wasted. Thank you for taking the time to reply. Bob
By Bob Kreisberg on Jun 2, 2011
Thanks so much, Bob! Put a smile on my face and reminded me that it’s OK to be excited about what I do!!! Also reminds me to not get back into a job that I’m not excited about either. I’m wagging today, not barking. Feels good.
By Staci on Jun 2, 2011