During this primary season, I have been struck time and time again by
the breadth of candidates who are critical or concerned about the state of our
country and our union. While the
rhetoric has been broadly negative and at times rude/angry/mean spirited &
bullying, I am struck by the lack of a vision of hope, opportunity and most
notably “optimism” emanating from the candidates and their campaigns. I am not going to focus this essay on today’s
political landscape, but instead center the discussion on this idea of
“optimism” as a priority for leaders in business.
Across my professional career,
now spanning more than thirty years and numerous senior executive leadership
roles, I have seen the impact of “leadership optimism” (or the opposite,
“leadership pessimism/cynicism”) up close and in person. I have had the chance to work for numerous
positive/”optimistic” leaders across my career, as well as working for a few of
the opposite “ilk.” There is no debate
in my experience of the organizational impact of “optimistic” leadership
qualities vs. a more pessimistic approach.
Teams will rally behind a leader if she/he “believes” that an objective
can be accomplished; and communicates that belief honestly and personally. Organizations look to their leaders to
understand and validate THEIR optimism and confidence in achieving a goal, or
overcoming a significant hurdle. If a
leader is “optimistic”, positive and hopeful about the future results and
achievements, the broader team is much more likely to be engaged and
“optimistic” as well. Unfortunately the
opposite is equally true! Leaders that
exude a negative, critical, and pessimistic approach have little chance to
inspire and energize a positive, engaged, “optimistic” organization.
In a previous essay, titled “ Optimism… a priority for leadership and
life” (http://fylegacy.blogspot.com/2011/08/optimism-priority-for-leadership-and.html), I comment
on the importance of “optimism” and quote former Secretary of State Colin
Powell,
In
closing I want to quote former Secretary of State Colin Powell, “Perpetual
optimism is a force multiplier.” This idea that optimism can and will enhance
the impact and success of an organization rings deeply true to me. The idea of
“perpetual optimism”, the concept that an optimistic outlook and approach is
not episodic, but continual or uninterrupted, is powerful and challenging. The
question isn’t whether we will face challenges/issues/problems/setbacks in our
work or our lives; we will! The opportunity for all of us is to face these
moments with an eye to an “optimistic” approach, always working to have our
approach be guided by the facts of the moment AND the possibilities that lie
ahead.
While I
wrote that essay back in 2011, with our economy still mired deep in the “great
recession” and the political landscape in gridlock going into the last
presidential election, the need and opportunity for all of us to be more
hopeful and “optimistic” today in 2016 again rings true! This concept of using “optimism” to multiply
your leadership impact is a powerful idea.
While former secretary of state Powell is linking this idea back to his
distinguished military career, it is equally relevant in the context of
business. It requires us to be
intentional in our approach and tone across all the leadership impact moments
we might face.
This does
NOT mean that we as leaders can be naïve or “Pollyannaish” about the
competitive landscape or the business challenges ahead. We must be candid in our assessment of the
business, and then work hard to build clear and decisive plans for the future. Once those plans are clear and important
strategic decisions have been made, execute with energy and “optimism.” Let everyone see and hear your positive
energy and “optimism” for the plan!
As the
primary season grinds to a close over the next few weeks and we turn towards
the general election in November, I remain hopeful (and I am sincerely trying
to be “optimistic”!) that the political dialogue will pivot to one focused on
the opportunities for our country ahead, and our potential future leaders’
confidence and “optimism” for those better days to come! In light of the past few days, with anger and
violence regular elements of some candidate’s campaign rallies, this need for
hope and “optimism” is required NOW!
Regardless
of that potentiality, we all as leaders have the chance to make a more positive
and “optimistic” impact in our organizations today. Don’t wait for some one else to set the tone,
or “lead the charge.” Take action TODAY
with your team, your department, your function or your company and lead with a
greater sense of hope, potential and “optimism.” I am confident that you will see the impact
across your organization and in the business results to come!
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