Optimism & Innovation

Earlier this week, as I took my seat on a flight from Boston to Atlanta, Delta’s Sky magazine caught my eye.  Driving Innovation was boldly broadcasted on the cover. Perhaps still feeling the effects of New Year reflections, my thought was “will this be a trend in 2017?” Of course it will. Without innovation, there are no trends. So if innovation leads to trends, what leads to innovation?

Thinking over that question, I recalled a recently read study. This study found a convincing link between innovation and optimism. Specifically, the researchers found people “who hold optimistic attitudes have an increased sense of creative self-efficacy, which, in turn, increases their innovative behaviors” (Li & Wu, 2011, p. 126). In other words, when we are optimistic, we feel more creative, and that leads us to be more innovative.

The study provided further insights. In addition to being more creative and innovative, the research found optimists:

a) expect positive outcomes for their efforts,

b) confront setbacks with persistence despite situational difficulties,

c) are cognitively flexible so they interpret undesirable events as promising openings and, thus, maintain positive expectations and confidence,

d) have more confidence and less anxiety when facing negative outcomes,

e) are eager for success.

There appear to be many benefits for being optimistic—a good thing to know at the start of a New Year.

Reference

Li, C-H, Wu, J-J. (2011). The structural relationships between optimism and innovative behavior: Understanding potential antecedents and mediating effects.  Creativity Research   Journal, 23(2),119–128.

? 2017 Dr. Paul Schempp is an award-winning researcher, keynote speaker, author, consultant and recognized authority on developing expertise and performance improvement. To have Paul speak at your next event, call 706.202.0516, DM him at @DrSchempp or visit his website www.PerformanceMattersInc.com