Every time a small company grows by three times in a significant dimension of employees, customers or revenue, the existing management systems are usually broken. The corollary is also true. Using a management system that works for 30 people can easily over constrain a 10 person team resulting in a decision process that is too slow and stifling. It is important to evolve the appropriate management systems to match the current size and activities of the organization.
While the behavior of chronic enthusiasm can really help to inspire and motivate a team to a high level of achievement , I have personally experienced a potentially serious downside. I can remember several instances where a concept, company, product or something was presented, discovered or discussed and my personal positive response was interpreted by a team member as a call to action. Chronic enthusiasm can be easily be confused with commitment. I had to learn to consciously temper my enthusiasm by adding a qualifier on my level of commitment.
For an example, I recall an experience where a software vendor presented a really cool software package that did not easily apply to our business situation. I was really impressed with the novelty of the product. One of my team members erroneously took this enthusiasm as a signal to follow up with subsequent meetings with the vendor.