One unavoidable piece of advice today is be positive. We’re supposed to filter out supposed negativity in meetings, reports, and general conversation because we think positivity produces the results we want. Optimism is almost mandatory in some environments. As Dan Lovallo and Daniel Kahneman point out, critical feedback is discouraged and treated like disloyalty. “The […]
Archive for optimism
How to Be a More Energetic Leader
5 Things You Can Do Today to Regain Stamina and Enthusiasm
On a recent Catalyst Podcast , Andy Stanley said, “The best thing a leader can bring to his team is his energy” (quoting Bill Hybels). … The good news is that you can be a more energetic leader by becoming more aware and intentional about developing it.
3 Ways to Treat the Scourge of Cynicism
What to Do if Your Organization Is Infected with the Disease
I hate cynicism. It is like cancer to the human soul. It is especially deadly when it infects an organization.
Are You a Negaholic? 5 Ways Pessimism Is Ruining Your Life
Negative Thinking is Powerful—And Not in a Good Way
Norman Vincent Peale published The Power of Positive Thinking in 1952. But it’s only more recently that we’re learning about the destructive power of negative thinking. A few years ago, an author cornered me at a publishing conference to complain about his agent, gripe about his publicist, and grumble about his publisher. It was beyond […]
3 Surprising Ways to Defuse Your Stress Bomb
If there is one thing that defines our work experience today, it’s stress. It can be exhausting or exciting—often both. But if we’re not proactive, it can really ding our health. For several years I mentored a small group of young professionals. We met once a month and discussed our jobs, families, and personal lives. […]
How to Live a Life That Matters: 5 Lessons from Maya Angelou
The desire to create lasting transformation in the world is what really drives us as leaders, right? Since the news of her death, I’ve been thinking a lot about Maya Angelou. Her legacy offers several valuable insights for living a life of true significance. The odds were against Angelou in her early years. Her parents […]
7 Ways to Keep Your Spirit Up in a Down Economy
I’ve met with several other business leaders in the last few weeks. To a person, they say their greatest challenge is staying encouraged. With the economy the way it is—and no end in sight—it is difficult for leaders to remain optimistic. How can you keep your spirits up in a down economy? Here are seven suggestions.