Realistic optimism is a strategic leadership skill in today’s world of uncertainty
If you’ve ever considered optimism to be just a “pleasant” character trait that you’re either born with or not, it’s time to rethink that. In a world that is moving faster and becoming more uncertain by the day, optimism is no longer just optional for leaders. It is a strategic leadership skill that needs to be practiced intentionally.
As we often say: great leaders aren’t born, they’re made. That applies just as much to mindset as it does to technical ability. The leaders who make the greatest impact on their teams, their cultures, and their results are those who choose optimism, especially when it’s not easy.
True optimism of a leader is realistic optimism.
Realistic optimism is not about the absence of doubt. It is not about the neglect of reality. It is about one significant driving attitude behind a series of leadership behaviors.
The attitude of such leaders to life and work situations can be described as a consistent positive approach to them with the intent of looking for and making positive outcomes happen.
The behaviors of optimistic leaders include
– The willingness to consider an idea or opportunity on its merits
– The attitude that approaches ideas and opportunities by trying to discern what the positive outcomes are
– The willingness to listen to multiple viewpoints on “how” to make those outcomes happen before committing to an action
– Treating others’ viewpoints with openness and dignity
– Coming up with the best plan to achieve success
– Assessing risks that could de-rail the approach and planning for them appropriately
– Making the choice (or recommendation) to proceed based on data, systematic thinking and a cost-benefit assessment
– When given the order or opportunity to proceed, devoting a 110% effort to success.
In essence, optimism and confidence go hand in hand because the optimistic leader has confidence not only in the outcome but that a good plan to get there exists.
Optimistic leaders are not just bubbly personalities or sunny disposition that make them different. They actually look at and approach the world in a different way than pessimistic leaders, who may not only plan for the worst, but set themselves up for the worst.
The “half-full” attitude of the optimistic leader is seen in the following ways:
!. The optimistic leaders view things differently:
– They look for opportunities
– They look for what can be
– They integrate realism into their optimism
- Optimistic leaders are genuine
– They believe in others and in possibilities
– They have learned to distinguish convictions from preferences
– They don’t like failure but accept it and use it as a part of the process
- Optimistic leaders think outside the box
– They search for solutions
– They view obstacles, barriers and failures as problems that cannot be allowed to continue
– They are open to new thinking
- Optimistic leaders impact others
– They are inspiring in the belief that success is possible
– They are both magnetic and contagious
– Their attitude inspires enthusiasm and effort
- Optimistic leaders impact the environment
-They create an atmosphere in which innovation and engagement flourish
– They build networks between people
– They breakdown the silo mentality
- Optimistic leaders want to see individual and organizational growth.
Such leaders find the power in optimism. They know that optimism of leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or having all the answers. It’s about creating the conditions for belief—in the team, the mission, and the future. Optimistic leaders know that belief starts with them. Optimism is a choice for them. And when leaders choose it consistently, optimism becomes an integral part of the culture of their organization.
By Gilbert Castro | ENC News
