Optimism Is Not Wishful Thinking
Good leaders are optimistic.
By exuding optimism, they motivate, energize, and elevate the confidence of those around them. The ability to view challenge as opportunity, to believe in the potential of people and situations, and to celebrate short-term success without the fear of establishing a finish line is why teams stand behind optimistic leaders. Optimism is jet fuel for creating followership. Especially in the face of adversity and difficult times.
Displaying leadership optimism is more than just having a cheery attitude. Optimistic leaders prefer to highlight the positive without ignoring or denying the negative. They find glimmers of clarity when uncertainty abounds. They push boundaries toward what is possible, rather than dig in and protect against loss or setback. They remain thankful for contribution, while tamping down disappointment.
Leadership optimism is displayed in many ways and includes a myriad of qualities. But it is not wishful thinking.
Both focus on promoting hope and positive thinking. However, optimism is the expectation of favorable outcomes based upon a realistic assessment of the situation and people involved, whereas wishful thinking presumes things will work out for the best regardless of the actions or choices of those engaged. In other words, wishful thinking is a desire without connection to reality, while optimism is a positive mindset that rationally evaluates reality and cuts a path toward making the most of it.
Wishful thinking embraces naivety and intentionally overlooks risks and potential setbacks to avoid discomfort. It is hope without plan, belief without knowledge, desire without action. It is a line in the sand good leaders never cross. Leaders can become decidedly optimistic without ever succumbing to the fantasy of wishful thinking.
The best leaders work hard at displaying optimism and eschewing wishful thinking. They understand the power a positive mindset affords to galvanize commitment and boost morale. They leave wishful thinking to those who prefer to put their head in the sand and bank on good outcomes without action. Hope, as they say, is not a strategy. It is just hope.
Are you an optimistic leader or a wishful thinker?
Cars back in the late 80s and early 90s weren't as reliable as they are today (at least the cars I owned). I remember spending countless hours under my truck engaging in wishful thinking - wishing the truck would magically fix itself so I could join my friends at the beach. I learned a lesson down there - broken things aren't going to fix themselves. You have to have a plan and then put in the effort to make progress. When you get stuck, don't quit. Maybe take a break so you can rethink your strategy. But then get back to working on the problem. Eventually, you will get there. And when you do, you will have accomplished more than just fixing the problem. You will have gained experience and confidence that is worth it's weight in gold. Having a 'Can Do' attitude is the way to get there.
This is a great and important distinction. I often try to channel “honest optimism.” Let’s be realistic about the situation, self aware and seek beneficial solutions.