Three reasons why every leader should be an optimist

Disruption in business, economic slowdown, social imbalance – there are many reasons to be a pessimist today. However, I believe that we have never lived in a better world than today and that it is worth looking optimistically ahead. The Swiss Economic Forum will focus in 2019 on the topic of The Optimist Code – the conscious saying of yes. As the SEF writes in its announcement of the event, a yes is positive, opens up space for possibilities and alternatives, takes the world as it is and finds opportunities in it. I agree with this point of view, and am firmly convinced, for three reasons, that it is worthwhile being an optimist.

1. Optimism is a prerequisite for innovation

I believe that innovation is a long-term driver of growth and prosperity. Innovation requires a good dose of creativity, as well as the willingness to approach new things boldly and to dare to try them. Visionary optimists such as Nicolas Hayek, Warren Buffet and Steve Jobs have proven this and have been extremely successful. In my experience, innovative people have an optimistic and entrepreneurial attitude. They are not deterred by statements like “That’s not possible”, “That has never worked” or “We’ve always done it that way”.

2. Bringing things to fruition with optimism

Successful optimists believe in their ideas, but also remain sufficiently realistic. They see opportunities where others primarily see problems and challenges. Optimists have a clear vision and follow their path unwaveringly. Their positive attitude and the prospect of success drive them on. They tackle things and bring them to fruition. They take defeats and setbacks in the implementation phase as an opportunity to improve the product and further develop the team. From an outsider’s point of view, it is often forgotten that discipline is also an especially important requirement in the implementation phase, because only with discipline can new ideas be brought to market success. The prerequisite for innovation is therefore a combination of three factors:

Innovation = creativity + optimism + discipline

3. Optimists attract optimists

It is a known fact that like-minded people are drawn to each other. It is the same with optimists – or, as an optimist, would you wish to work with people who only see problems and have a negative attitude? In my experience, optimists in professional life get more opportunities than pessimists. Optimistic people provide inspiration and help to take new business ideas through to market success with creativity and discipline. If my words awakened your interest, you will find other relevant points in my full-length article.

Do you agree with my statement ‘optimists get more opportunities in life’? Are you also a yes-sayer? How do you handle those notorious people who say, “That’s not possible”? I look forward to hearing your experience. And remember: the glass is half full.

#SEF19 #leadership