Pessimism is a lifeless struggle toward oblivion.
Pessimistic leaders are dead weight. Progress is hard with rocks in your pockets.
But what is the place of negativity in leadership?
Necessary Negativity
Toxic positivity smiles when the boat is sinking.
“Shoe drop” leadership is necessary. Skillful leaders are preparing for the other shoe to drop, especially in good times.
Negativity is only half the equation.
Leadership Optimism:
Do something else if you really think it won’t work. Pessimists can’t lead.
Optimism is seeing a brighter future and taking action to create it.
Optimism isn’t wishing, “I believe tomorrow will be better. I believe tomorrow will be better. I believe tomorrow will be better.”
“The optimist says I know I will make tomorrow better.” –Jon Gordon
“I think I can,” only works if you add, “Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go.”
Get Real About Optimism
- Optimistic feedback. Identify simple behaviors that make improvement likely. Corrective feedback is always about the future.
- Optimistic problem-solving. Find what’s blocking success. Decide what you will do today. Choose optimism when facing obstacles. You can move forward with work.
- Optimistic project management. You have the talent and resources to finish the job if you bring your best. What’s next?
Believe you can make it work or stop work on it.
4 Steps Toward Optimism:
- Believe. Doubt drains effort before it starts.
- Anticipate obstacles. “Cultivate your realistic optimism by combining a positive attitude with an honest assessment of the challenges that await you.” –Heidi Grant Halvorson
- Plan, act, learn, adapt. Repeat.
- See the good. Correct what isn’t working. Improve what is.
What are the dangers of negativity?
How might pessimistic leaders step toward optimism?
5 Powerful Ways to Release Negativity
Read Jon Gordon’s book: You Win in the Locker Room First: The 7 C’s to Build a Winning Team in Business, Sports, and Life.
