A Downside of Chronically Enthusiastic Behavior
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.