Enthusiasm. A Vital Component in Execution.

As 2015 draws to a close, around the world small and medium enterprises, sole proprietors, entrepreneurs and other business professionals are reflecting back on the year - the successes, the failures, what worked and what didn't - and thinking and planning for 2016.

I have no doubt that many have drawn up great strategies for the forthcoming year and made plans around how to achieve greater success.  I have.  It's imperative to have clear goals in order to get to where you want to be, know what success looks like and what it will take to get there.  But, when reality hits and 2016 is under way, when the daily whirlwind is upon us, and when the pressure is on, how will we execute on our documented strategies?

There are many great resources out there on executing strategy and many different ways to approach it.  Among other things, timelines and accountability are critical, as are time and task management.  But what is it that drives us towards the finish line, the result, the success?  What is needed to win the battles that will win the war?  I believe a vital component is that we execute with enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars.  Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait.  The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.   Henry Ford

Without it, I suggest that our efforts will not be the whole-hearted actions that they need to be to achieve our strategic objectives.  Indifference leads to lethargy and a pessimism that work directly against reaching success.  Worse still, if it marks you, it will likely begin to affect those around you, to the team's detriment.  And is this just for employees?  Absolutely not.  An enthused employer, boss, or CEO will set the culture for the whole organization.

So, whatever role you play in your organization, approach your 2016 goals and strategy with enthusiasm and execute with greatness!