This weekend, I experienced something that reminded me of something critical that often gets overlooked in the process of leading change. I'm not, of my own accord, an avid classical music listener, but my partner is, and he has brought me to hear a few symphonies.

We attended one this past weekend with a pre-concert talk by conductor Benjamin Zander – a veteran conductor who, I found out later, teaches classes and has graced the TED stage. His talk not only touched my heart, it reminded me of how we naturally influence each other.

People tend to think of influence as a calculated thing, this sort of mental gymnastics that must be learned from books or seminars. And it certainly can be, but it also happens through the process of transmitting our emotions and energy, if you will.

As Zander spoke about the music he was about to conduct, his enthusiasm was infectious. He practically jumped upward as he explained what this symphony would be communicating, and how music can communicate in a way that no other medium—not art, not literature—can.

His genuine passion and joy drew me in – I found myself perked up, leaning forward. And after trudging through the worst of Boston winter weather to reach Symphony Hall, I was not feeling naturally perky. But this man had a reverence for the music that was palpable. It got me on board with, and even more open to, learning about this art form in a way that I had not been before.

Here is how you can harness this same kind of natural enthusiasm, and possibly take some mental work off your plate in your next initiative, no matter how large or small.

How to Use Authentic Passion to Create Buy-In

Step One: Connect with Your Own Excitement

Before you can inspire others, you need to tap into your genuine enthusiasm:

• What excites you about this initiative?

• What possibilities do you see?

• Why does this matter beyond just getting it done?

• What deeper purpose does it serve?

Don't try to manufacture excitement. Instead, find the real connection between your authentic passion and the change you're trying to create.

For example: Imagine implementing a new project management system. Instead of focusing just on efficiency metrics, you might connect with how it could transform your team's daily experience—no more hunting for information, less stress about deadlines, more time for creative work. All of which amounts to better quality of life. When you genuinely light up about how this could improve their lives, that excitement becomes contagious.

Step Two: Share Your Vision Through Story

When you've found your genuine enthusiasm, share it through:

• Personal examples of why this matters

• Stories about possibilities you see

• Specific moments that sparked your passion

• Real excitement about potential impact

For example: Imagine introducing a new approach to team meetings. Instead of just announcing a format change, you might share your genuine excitement about creating space for quieter voices to be heard. "I've been thinking about all the brilliant ideas we might be missing. What if we could create meetings where everyone feels energized to contribute, where we tap into our collective wisdom?" When you show real enthusiasm for the possibility of stronger collaboration and better ideas, or for inclusion (again, find the thread that naturally excites you) people lean in.

Step Three: Create Space for Others to Connect

Your enthusiasm opens the door, but people need space to:

• Find their own connection to the vision

• Ask questions from a place of curiosity

• Share what excites them

• Build on possibilities together

You're not trying to convince—you're inviting others to share in something meaningful.

For example: Picture rolling out a new customer service protocol. You might start by sharing your excitement about providing better support, then ask your team what excites them about helping customers. The conversation could transform from a procedural discussion into a passionate exploration of how to make a real difference in people's lives.

One Thing to Ask Yourself This Week:

"When was the last time I shared not just what needs to be done, but why it genuinely excites me?"

One Thing to Try:

Before your next presentation or team meeting, take a moment to connect with what truly excites you about your message. Then let that authentic enthusiasm show—not through forced positivity, but through genuine passion for the possibilities.

People can always resist your logic, but authentic enthusiasm has a way of bypassing resistance and creating true openness to new ideas.

Until next week,

Lauren

P.S. To learn more about Benjamin Zander and his work, visit www.benjaminzander.org.