Enthusiasm is the Fuel for Working Smarter

I had the pleasure of attending the recent annual conference for the Small Firms Association where we were asked if we were ‘up for the challenge’ of working in the changing (some would call it slowing) economy. An economy where belts are tighter and risks taken are fewer. Where demographics are radically morphing to represent the new Ireland. Where companies are recognising that working smarter not harder is the key to success.

The eclectic panel of speakers provided much food for thought and the debate was lively and informed. One highlight for me was the wonderfully passionate and colourful address by Liam Griffin, Managing Director of the Griffin Hotel Group and the man who led Wexford to All-Ireland success in 1996. An honest and gripping account of building a business from the ground up and the trials and tribulations that are all part of the journey. His new venture, developing a ‘unique Irish spa experience’ served as a case study and he shared with the audience his thoughts on entrepreneurship, leadership, team building and going the extra mile for what you believe in.

One comment he made has stayed with me since the conference. In big letters on his powerpoint presentation, Liam surmised that “nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.� Enthusiasm he argued must be fuelled every day!

That night, I typed out Liam’s words and pinned them to the notice board above my desk. And I look at them every day now before I start working. Real enthusiasm cannot be faked or copied. It must come from a place of honesty and breathe life into everything we do. I started my company from a very enthusiastic desire to work on my own terms, without having to sacrifice what is important to me. And now I can happily say that I help my Professionals and Clients do the same.

And that enthusiasm becomes infectious. Professionals who thought they were tied to the 8 a.m. -6 p.m. lifestyle with stolen moments on weekends are discovering that they can have it all. Having the intellectual challenge of contributing to valued projects while taking care of their personal commitments and goals is liberating. The idea of working for 6 months and travelling around the world for the remaining months is no longer for dreamers. It’s for anyone who thinks differently about the way they work – and play.

Clients are reaping the benefits of working enthusiastically too. Large scale projects that were begging for expertise from highly skilled and keen Professionals are being completed successfully and on time without all the hassles and costs of hiring full time staff. Those extra pair of hands needed to get the job done are available on demand and ready to make an immediate impact. It’s a win-win for everyone. Working smarter makes it a reality.

Who knew working smarter could be so infectious? And I mean that enthusiastically!
Lynda McCracken

September 2007