Optimism and realism can sometimes conflict, yet both are vital for improving performance as well as maintaining motivation. So how do we maintain a positive outlook whilst dealing with the tough questions and issues that need to be addressed to create a step change in performance?
The difficulties businesses face are greater than ever with the competitive environment commanding the need for greater efficiency, performance and differentiation. Add to that the fact that we are only slowly emerging from the most difficult economic environment for almost half a century, and we can begin to understand the challenge that leaders face in motivating staff and maintaining energy whilst also retaining a focus on the need for change and improvement.
In times of change, processes and project plans are only as good as the people driving them. As Napoleon put it, “a leader is a dealer in hope”. So it is their behaviour that will ultimately deliver the results. Individual mindset and engagement are vital drivers of sustaining the momentum of new behaviours to drive performance.
It is more important than ever for leaders to influence people positively whilst maintaining the vital authenticity needed for people to truly believe in them. False optimism has been found to be as damaging to morale as pessimism itself.
