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© Leading Insight 1996 -
"Are you kidding me -
With the constant stream of bad economic news it is very easy
to get caught up in thinking that nothing positive is happening. We start to believe
that there is little that we can do to improve our circumstances; we withdraw, play
it safe, feel concern, and fear about our future. We become especially vigilant
for further signs that we are at risk.
Optimistic leadership is not about seeing
the world through rose colored glasses. The economic down turn is real and we need
to make business decisions based on that reality. But once you have your plan of
attack, optimism will inspire a sense of hopefulness and the confidence that is required
to take full advantage of the opportunities that do exist.
Optimism or pessimism
is not about the reality of the situation, it is conscious choice that has a huge
impact on your ability to succeed.
Additionally research has confirmed that those
who are able to find an optimistic outlook will not only be more successful, they
will also live longer, be healthier and happier.
In this month's newsletter we outline
ten ways to become more optimistic and to energize your organization.
Regards
Doris Kovic
Business and Executive Coach
Please pass on to your friends and colleagues
and encourage them to subscribe at
http://www.leadinginsight.com/leading_insight_ezine.htm
10 Ways to Become an Optimistic Leader
1. Seek positive perspectives and evidence. Unfortunately most of what is being
reported today has a pessimistic tone, so to build a more balanced view, you need
to look for the positive signs. In an economic downturn, pessimists may be more
right but optimists will see more opportunity and actually accomplish more.
2. Practice possibility thinking. We have an amazing ability to construct our inner
world and outlook, to use self talk to either build ourselves up, or tear ourselves
down. Give yourself permission to reframe your thoughts, to focus on the opportunities
not the negative consequences -
3. Build a compelling vision that inspires. Take the time to develop a deep sense
of mission and purpose, to get really clear about what you want for your organization
and the unique value you can provide. In the words of Peter Drucker -
4. Surround yourself with positive people. Optimism is a learned habit, and it is
contagious. Seek out people who have a positive outlook -
5. Be aware of the "shadow" you cast in your organization. As a leader everything
you do impacts those around you. Your mood and your behaviors are watched and interpreted
by everyone around you. Be a good role model, maintaining your composure and a positive
attitude -
6. Encourage open dialog. Being positive and open will draw people towards you. Staying focused on understanding and listening is especially important with others who don't feel so optimistic. Optimism or pessimism is not about the reality of the situation. You need to remain open to fully understand alternative perspectives and be able to lead people to a more positive future.
7. Build resilience through wellness. Optimists are more resilient to stress and enjoy better health. Resilience builds a mental toughness and an ability to bounce back from setbacks. To build your resilience, you need to make purposeful choices to take care of your body, mind, and spirit.
8. Build personal mastery. This begins with an honest assessment of your capabilities and a lifelong commitment to professional development. Mastery will bring confidence and the capacity to succeed, creating more reason for optimism.
9. Believe in the capabilities of your team and organization. One of the most powerful gifts you can give someone is to believe in their potential. Suddenly they are capable of accomplishing so much more, which in turn gives you more to feel optimistic about.
10. Stay focused and track accomplishments. When there is a lot of information and distractions it is very important that you keep your eyes focused on the road ahead, on the things that you can do and control. Celebrating your victories along the way and knowing that although it may be a long road you will get to your destination in the end.
Great Quotes
"Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable"
~Coco Chanel, French fashion designer & businesswoman (1883-
"For myself I am
an optimist -
use being anything else"
~Sir Winston Churchill, British prime minister during WWII (1874-
"I prefer the
errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom"
~Anatole France , French writer (1844-
"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier"
~Colin Powell, Former U.S. Secretary of State (1937 -
Leading Insight
Leading Insight is a management consulting company, based in San Clemente, California. Its
purpose is to provide services that help companies increase the effectiveness of
their people, resulting in greater productivity and revenues.
More information on
our services is available at our website.
http://www.leadinginsight.com
Thank you
for reading this issue of the monthly Leading Insight eZine. Please feel free to
pass this on to your friends and colleagues and encourage them to subscribe at
http://www.leadinginsight.com/leading_insight_ezine.htm
In
addition you can distribute this article if full attribution is given and copyright
notice is included.
Copyright (c)2009 Leading Insight. All rights reserved.
Leading with Optimism:10 Ways to be Optimistic
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