It is good to encourage enthusiasm in others. It’s even better for them if we are enthusiastic.
Contractor woes
When we need a contractor, it is my job to arrange it. This is more frustrating than it should be. I know a great plumber. I’m very happy with our solar guy (he’s #3). But I don’t know a reliable, reasonable electrician. I have eight in my contacts at the moment, one of whom I tried two weeks ago. Maybe they will be “the one”. And don’t get me started on aircon contractors.
Last November I contacted two contractors. The first contractor sent a polite sales person, who didn’t understand the problem. The result was a quote that was 35x more than I needed to spend to fix the issue. The second contractor sent their installers, who couldn’t answer any questions. In both cases I had been specific about my needs before anyone came. So I wasn’t being difficult, although I can be.
As you can imagine, I did not want to look for a roof/gutter contractor again this year.
Everybody finds something interesting
I looked at reviews and websites and sent an online query. This company called me within a few hours to arrange a site visit. First tick. The contractor arrived on time. Second tick.
I am not interested in gutters and downpipes. But this man was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. He understood the problem immediately, and provided all sorts of extra advice. He had to stop himself from getting carried away about how water behaves. And he believes in the way his company operates. Some more ticks.
Passion matters
The work still has to be done, but I am cautiously optimistic about the result. I choose this contractor for his knowledge – and his enthusiasm.
I don’t believe it is good career advice to tell young people to “follow their passion”. Some passions are immature or short-lived or impractical, like being a soccer star. But I do believe that people who enjoy their work often do a better job.
That is one reason we have long-term clients. There are lots of courses that we don’t give. But what we do teach, we teach with enthusiasm and passion. Renier has told me that “C is like poetry”. Lewis enjoys Java so much that, after two years, he still writes a new Java tip every week. And tells me eagerly about his research. Charles often tells me about something new and weird in JavaScript (which has lots of weird stuff).
Enthusiasm is contagious
Have you noticed how people smile when they see a small child giggling? Or a friendly puppy with its tail wagging wildly? Enthusiasm is contagious.
And that applies to learning and work as well. After attending Renier’s Standard C course, a delegate explained it like this: “His passion helps us understand.” And after attending the Advanced C course, the same delegate wrote: “Renier’s enthusiasm makes me want to do better in this subject.”
Content is everywhere, and AI can generate more. But enthusiasm – that’s worth gold.
How do you share your enthusiasm? I’d love to hear your comments.