Pessimistic leaders are almost right. They say, “I’m not a pessimist. I’m a realist.” Research shows that those who tip slightly toward pessimism have the clearest view of reality.* Optimists overestimate a bright… Continue reading
#1. Don’t minimize the concerns of negative people. When you say, “It’s not that bad,” to someone who thinks it’s bad, they think that you don’t get it. You’re out of touch. They’ll… Continue reading
Like a drop of poison in a glass of water, one problem has the power to pollute everything. It’s natural to obsess over one bad thing and forget many good things. Successful leaders… Continue reading
Anger motivates change. Donald Trump isn’t the first President who formed a coalition driven by discontent and frustration. The U.S. was born in discontent. Destruction: The U.S. Declaration of Independence expresses aspirational anger.… Continue reading
Teams and organizations always have a few members who leave smelly droppings everywhere they go and wonder why everything stinks. Sometimes it’s leaders. Dung fly leaders: #1. Kill momentum by bringing up distracting… Continue reading
Leading is like working on a puzzle without the cover. In turbulent times, throw three puzzles in the same pile. In crisis, hide the edges. Certainty about the future is illusion. At best,… Continue reading
