When hiring new employees, one of the most important qualities I look for is enthusiasm. We want a team of go-getters. People who are proactive as opposed to re-active. People who put their passion into their work. And, people who approach every task (as menial as some may be) with energy and excitement.

However, there is a point at which the enthusiasm is too much, and such excessive enthusiasm becomes a detriment instead of an advantage. I call these people EEPs (Excessively Enthusiastic Persons). Most often, EEPs are younger professionals seeking to make a name for themselves in the business (interns, junior team members, etc.). But, if they are not careful, the name they make for themselves may not be the one they were hoping for.

So, if you or someone you know is an EEP, here are a few tips on how to curb the enthusiasm:

1. Learn to say “no.”
In an effort to always please, EEPs tend to say yes to everything but, as a result, finish nothing.

2. Ask. Don’t beg.
It’s OK to ask others if they need anything, but EEPs can sometimes act more like dogs asking for food than colleagues asking to help.

3. Deliver what is asked of you.
EEPs tend to view every task as an opportunity to over-deliver. But, sometimes, all someone really needs is what they asked for – and getting anything else can be frustrating.

4. Communicate often.
Aside from being enthusiastic, EEPs can be overly-sensitive (and potentially intimidated) by their seniors and, as a result, refrain from providing updates on their tasks.

5. Keep your promises.
The best way to make a good name for yourself is to keep the promises you make. EEPs tend to make lots of promises, but deliver on few.

So, rather than get annoyed, please help an EEP out and share this advice with them. Enthusiasm is good. But too much of anything can sometimes be a bad thing.

Thanks for reading. And, as always, please feel free to share your comments and feedback with me here.

Have a great day!
Jeff