We look to leaders for many things: confidence, strength, conviction, vision, and judgment, to name just a few. Of the many qualities great leaders exemplify, perhaps none is more important than the ability to remain optimistic in the face of extreme difficulty, while also objectively confronting the challenge.
Jul 27, 2023·edited Jul 27, 2023Liked by Admired Leadership
I enjoyed reading this. It seems well thought out/written. I do my best to use/implement Professor Collins' road map (in whatever work I do). Vice Admiral James Stockdale was someone we could all aspire to be like (and be better off for it). I have found it imperative, as a human, to work on one's self esteem and self-efficacy. That can make for a decent leader. My main concern with the "optimistic" leader's that they will take their team to hell, and do so smiling. No one wants to ride that bus.
Good comment. I think the difference between the leader in the Field Note and the one you describe is that your optimist is clueless. Great leaders are mindful of their choices, motivations, etc. The self-absorbed optimist you describe is probably not much of a leader at all but is just a boss.
I especially liked the mention of "mindfulness." I try to give individuals the benefit of the doubt. Though, as you said, sometimes they simply are clueless.
The application of advice from the Stockdale Paradox starts with the assumption that the team is already in hellish circumstances. You're right, "ALWAYS look of the bright side" is about the worst advice you can give or receive.
I enjoyed reading this. It seems well thought out/written. I do my best to use/implement Professor Collins' road map (in whatever work I do). Vice Admiral James Stockdale was someone we could all aspire to be like (and be better off for it). I have found it imperative, as a human, to work on one's self esteem and self-efficacy. That can make for a decent leader. My main concern with the "optimistic" leader's that they will take their team to hell, and do so smiling. No one wants to ride that bus.
Thank you for your time.
Good comment. I think the difference between the leader in the Field Note and the one you describe is that your optimist is clueless. Great leaders are mindful of their choices, motivations, etc. The self-absorbed optimist you describe is probably not much of a leader at all but is just a boss.
Jim,
You make valid points.
I especially liked the mention of "mindfulness." I try to give individuals the benefit of the doubt. Though, as you said, sometimes they simply are clueless.
I appreciate your response/feedback.
Thank you for your time.
Thanks, Joe.
The application of advice from the Stockdale Paradox starts with the assumption that the team is already in hellish circumstances. You're right, "ALWAYS look of the bright side" is about the worst advice you can give or receive.
This was discussed in a little more depth during our 15 minute unpacking of this this morning. You might enjoy a listen: https://twitter.com/AdmiredLeaders/status/1684558906830323714
We unpacked the paradox a bit more during this 15 minute discussion.
Here is the audio:
https://twitter.com/AdmiredLeaders/status/1684558906830323714