The Optimistic Edge: Gaining a Competitive Advantage through Positive Work Culture

By Oscar A. Rodriguez

Have you ever had a bad day at work? We all experience moments of hardship in our lives, and it's natural for negative emotions to seep into our work environment. It can be tough to meet deadlines, stay productive, and find motivation when we're going through challenging times like a difficult breakup, a family crisis, or even a health scare. But here's the thing: when we choose to approach our work with optimism and a positive mindset, it can have a profound impact on the entire workplace.

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Elvis Rivera, an Institutional Financial Advisor at Graystone Consulting, a division of Morgan Stanley, and an expert in practicing optimism in the workplace. Elvis shared a bit about his responsibilities, explaining how his team helps clients craft their Investment Policy Statements and assists them in investing their assets according to their organization's values to achieve their financial goals. Given the challenging nature of his role, I was curious to know how he manages to maintain such a positive outlook.

Elvis opened up about his belief that everything is neutral and that it's up to us to determine whether a situation is positive or negative. He chooses to lead with optimism, and he shares this perspective with his colleagues, teammates, and clients. Another essential aspect he emphasized is proactive planning and preparation, favoring a proactive approach over a reactive one, as it allows for more creativity and flow.

Research consistently demonstrates the significant impact of a positive outlook on overall well-being and life satisfaction. Studies show that it predicts positive outcomes such as improved health, reduced rates of depression, and greater achievements academically and athletically. Those with a positive mindset often have strong social support networks and display remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

Getting to know Elvis, it became evident that he had a unique mindset shaped by various worldly views. When we discussed motivation, he shared that he navigates from a place of gratitude, always remembering that life is a gift and that he's here because of the work others did before him. This sense of gratitude keeps him humble and motivated to do the same for those who come after him. On tough days, he also focuses on his goals, recognizing that goal planning helps him understand where he's going and keeps him accountable amidst the daily grind.

Optimism brings several notable advantages within the workplace. It enhances productivity, as optimistic employees set ambitious goals, remain committed to them, and persevere through obstacles. Optimism also nurtures creativity by fostering openness to new ideas and diverse perspectives. This creates a more innovative work environment, ideal for collaboration and brainstorming. Moreover, optimism contributes to employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall organizational performance.

So, how can we cultivate a sense of optimism within ourselves and inspire those around us? Let's explore some strategies that can be implemented at both the individual and organizational levels. The first and most important step is to maintain a positive attitude and intentionally shift our focus towards the positive aspects of our work. Instead of solely fixating on the tasks that lie ahead, let's take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the progress we've already made. It's crucial to recognize the great work we have accomplished, as it sets the foundation for future success and provides us with a sense of fulfillment and motivation. Whether it's the milestones we've achieved or the results we've obtained from our dedicated efforts, acknowledging and celebrating these accomplishments can fuel our optimism and propel us forward.

Surrounding ourselves with positive-minded people is immensely valuable since positivity tends to be contagious. Seeking out colleagues who are optimistic and supportive helps nurture our own optimistic mindset. On the other hand, it's important to limit interactions with negative or toxic individuals, as their negativity can easily undermine our optimism. While it's important to consider different perspectives, it's worth noting that some individuals may label themselves as "realists." True realism entails embracing a philosophical or practical approach that emphasizes objective reality and facts over subjective interpretations or idealistic notions. These true realists possess a healthy skepticism towards both overly optimistic and overly pessimistic viewpoints. However, it's important to exercise discernment when encountering individuals who claim to be realists, as their perspectives may veer towards negativity or cynicism rather than genuine realism. It's important to surround ourselves with balanced individuals who can provide realistic perspectives without sacrificing optimism and hope.

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Elvis to share a final best practice. He emphasized the importance of not only maintaining a positive mindset but also taking concrete actions to turn that positivity into progress. He highlighted the significance of setting clear goals on a yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and even daily basis, as each step forward contributes to moving in the right direction.

Furthermore, Elvis reiterated the power of practicing gratitude as a potent technique for cultivating optimism. By taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things we are grateful for, we redirect our focus to the positive aspects of our lives. This simple practice enables us to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of challenges. Rather than dwelling on what we lack, embracing gratitude fosters a sense of appreciation and optimism that extends its impact to our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Special thanks to Elvis Rivera

Disclosure: The opinions and thoughts expressed here reflect only the author's views not the employer.