Posted on Apr 19, 2013

Leading with Exuberance

TV pitchman Billy Mays was exuberant. Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is exuberant. Lots of people involved in direct selling are filled with exuberance.

As a differentiating value, Exuberance means overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval; or joyful enthusiasm. Those who really live this value (or have this ‘gene’) are exuberant about life.

Now, let’s separate those who are occasionally exuberant from those who are exuberant all the time. Most of us have experienced being exuberant on occasion. It’s when we’re feeling energized and excited; when everything in our life is going great! But this feeling tends to be fleeting. When real life sets back in we return to ‘normal’ – whatever that is.

However, there are those who appear exuberant all of the time (or at least most of the time). It occupies them day and night. Or rather, “something” occupies them day and night, which creates continuous exuberance. This is what empowers them to step up and lead, and engage others to follow.

Exuberance + Leadership

If leadership is influence, exuberant leaders can influence more effectively because their exuberance is contagious. There’s a reason we follow others who are overflowing with enthusiasm.

Maybe we think they know something we don’t. Or maybe we believe that whatever they are doing will be successful just because of their energy and excitement. The bottom line is this: we want some of whatever it is “they” have.

Consider the following:

When you listen to an exuberant CEO of a public company talk about their vision of the future, does the thought occur to you: “maybe I should buy some shares in their company, now”?
When you listen to a successful entrepreneur talk about an innovative idea or business concept with exuberance, does the thought occur to you: “I wish I could be a part of that company”?
When you listen to an exuberant preacher talk about the sacrifice of Jesus and its impact upon us today, does the thought occur to you: “I am humbled and so thankful for what Christ did for me”?

Exuberant leaders can make a significant impact in the lives of others and the world around them. The same is true for leadership couples.

As a leadership couple, when you are excited and passionate about an idea, when you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, or when you believe you can change the world – then show it. Don’t just ‘tell’ others about what you’re doing. Let them feel it.

Now, if you haven’t found your passion, or felt a calling (yet), there is still something you and your spouse can do to make a difference: let your exuberance for each other shine. When others see how you and your spouse get along, work together, and truly enjoy being together, then you provide hope. Your exuberance is encouraging. You are leading by example. You and your spouse are being a leadership couple.