Category Archive: pessimism

The 10 Vulnerabilities of Discouragement

Turning an ember into a flame takes skills. But any fool can throw water on enthusiasm. Show up to fuel energy and build morale. Everyone gets discouraged. That’s why successful leaders make it… Continue reading

Start Worrying When the Noise Stops

Our first computer was an expensive marvel that came with a 40 meg hard drive and windows 3.0. Yes, “meg” as in megabyte. The salesman said we would never fill a hard drive… Continue reading

How to Cuddle Up with “No” and Win With Doom and Gloomers

Dreamers swim in an ocean filled with doom and gloomers who love pointing out danger. Dreamers start with “Yes”. Everyone else seems like a kill-joy. Dreamers see resistance when others don’t fall in… Continue reading

The Five Components of Negative Leadership

Paychecks buy compliance, but no one is energized by negative leadership. Uncertainty and insecurity give birth to some of the most negative aspects of leadership. You end up with toxicity when you stir… Continue reading

You Find What You Look For

Pessimists think optimists are monkeys catching elephants in a trapeze act without a net. Dark leadership: You never get ahead by burying your head in the sand. You earn leadership opportunities by confronting tough… Continue reading

Pessimists are Almost Right

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