OPTIMISM CREATES OPPORTUNITIES?
We’ve all been exposed to more than a few ‘positive thinking’ theories and strategies. Some are just plain wishful thinking, while others are clearly worth considering. Especially when they’re backed by clear evidence.
Why is this important for leaders to discern and be aware of? Because it can make, or break, our organizations. Here’s why:
The lens we use to view things shapes our thoughts. Our thoughts shape our emotions. Our emotions shape our actions.
You might feel that this isn’t how it works for you. That you’re a logical, reasonable, feet-on-the-ground kind of person and that emotions don’t influence your actions. However, human nature is such that we often justify our emotional responses so well that it appears that they’re well-thought-out, reasonable, and logical.
Truth is, we often believe our own sales pitch!?
But, it’s a good thing, in a number of ways. First of all, we are emotional beings and there’s no getting around that. It’s what allows us to make human connections, have empathy, compassion, joy and all the other wonderful things that enrich our lives. Or, all the negative emotional responses which can suck the life out of our days.?
What difference does this make to our leadership?
It makes a big difference. One simple question will demonstrate this. Would you rather work with someone who was always an upbeat, positive, ‘can do’ kind of person, who meets every challenge with an attitude that if there’s a problem, there has to be a solution? Or, would you prefer to work with someone who sees every challenge as a threat and has little confidence in their, or your, ability to overcome it successfully? I know which kind of person I’d prefer to work with. And more importantly, which kind of person I want to be.
What difference does this make to our outcomes?
I’m sure you’ve already reached a conclusion on that, but, did you know that:
Personally:
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Professionally:
I could go on… but you get the idea. Optimists are the quintessential ‘can do’ people who can both annoy the pessimists, and inspire their team members, with their refusal to admit defeat and their relentless pursuit of the desired outcomes. To say that optimism is a good trait for a leader - or a team member - is an understatement. Like empathy, this is an intangible, highly valuable asset, which creates a mental and emotional environment conducive to success no matter the odds. And, like empathy, optimism can be learned.?
Learning to be Optimistic:
Here is how we can learn to be more optimistic:
So tell me, do you tend to look on the bright side? Or is every cloud a harbinger of a storm? How important do you think optimism is at work?
Some more reading on optimism:
#Leadership #Optimism
The Myth Slayer?? Transformational Coach for Attorneys ?? 2x TEDx Speaker ?? Ignite Rebirth, Inspiration, & Bold Impact ?? I Want Your Future to Be EPIC!
11 个月Andre Williams: I had never heard that 56% stat before ... wow; that alone makes a statement. But what really hit home is the following: "It makes a big difference. One simple question will demonstrate this. Would you rather work with someone who was always an upbeat, positive, ‘can do’ kind of person, who meets every challenge with an attitude that if there’s a problem, there has to be a solution? Or, would you prefer to work with someone who sees every challenge as a threat and has little confidence in their, or your, ability to overcome it successfully??"It's true! Why would ANY top performer voluntarily work for a cynical, negative person over someone who inspires them and, foundationally, has hope?? I call this sort of leadership negativity "The Underworld Myth" -- and if it's the narrative you're creating, don't be surprised if people avoid joining you at all costs!
Enthusiasm Ignitor??Self-Doubt Eraser??Confidence & Cognitive Behavior Coach & Consultant??-International Speaker??- Writer ?? With Emphasis in Empowerment & Leadership??
11 个月Optimism creates joy and excitement. People want to follow someone that is positive. That's showing them what is possible.
Fractional Chief of Staff | Strategic Advisor | Empowering CEOs/Founders to Design Human-Centered Organizations and Achieve Personal + Performance Excellence | Open to Fractional Chief of Staff Roles
11 个月Such a great post, Andre Williams, and nothing could be of greater need in today's world than a big dose of authentic positivity. Which btw, you gave so many great examples. Today, more than ever, leaders are called to be "dealers of hope" and "facilitators of innovation". While the "bad" experiences leaders and their teams go through can be truly negative and difficult, employees and the leaders themselves benefit when they can be positive in two ways: 1. Positive that there are positive lessons in this "bad experience," and together they can uncover them. and 2. Positive that together they can discover positive solutions (aka innovations). Which brings me to the role of positivity and our imagination as leaders. Thoughts become things. There is no single successful innovation created that was not first a thought. While we may not want to preach our pollyanna imaginings to our teams, it is important to have them to enhance our own well-being and mindset. As Dan Zadra has said, Worry is the misuse of imagination. Not only is it a grave misuse to focus on the negative (Worrying is imagining the worst), but it is also detrimental to our health and well-being. Which also influences the health and well-being of our team.
Co-Founder @BLUECASE | Strategy, Culture, and Engagement
11 个月Optimism can certainly create opportunity, but tempered optimism is usually the best path to follow. Optimism that's tempered by pragmatism - and maybe a little bit of realism - is a good path the way our world works.