Category Archive: pessimism

A Premortem: Reverse Positive Thinking for Success

Do premortems. A postmortem is too late. Gary Klein introduced the idea of premortems. A premortem is reverse positive thinking. Instead of imagining success, imagine failure. What might go wrong: A year from now,… Continue reading

3 Ways to Overcome “That Won’t Work”

Naysayers are often right – especially when they’re roadblocks. “What works,” emerges AFTER you try. We have a delusional ability to believe we’re right when, in truth, we have nothing to support our… Continue reading

How to Think Negative and Still Succeed

Even Eeyore is right sometimes. Overly optimistic leaders: Minimize challenges. Fail to anticipate problems. Throw in the towel when it stays dark too long. Stockdale:  James Stockdale – former P.O.W. – told Jim… Continue reading

The 7 Laws of Planning During Turbulence

A five-year plan is a fairy tale in turbulent environments. The best you can do in uncertainty and turbulence is set direction and improvise. Planning is making decisions ahead of time. Last year’s… Continue reading

Dear Dan: I Can’t Stop Helping People

Dear Dan, I work late because I’m being helpful to people on my team. How can I stop helping too much? Sincerely, Too Helpful (Question after a recent presentation.) Dear Too, The desire… Continue reading

How to Get the Most from Chapter Four

The six chapters in the leader’s journey are: Believe you can make a difference. Engage in leading. Learn leadership skills and behaviors. Respond to adversity and disappointment with openness and resolve. Humility. Kindness.… Continue reading