The future is bright – Future Leaders Blog – www.wearethecity.com
Are you a realistic optimist?
Do you assume things will go well? Do you dare take sensible risk, believing in yourself whilst doing so? Do you keep being optimistic even when things go wrong and you have to try a new way out? Do you see plenty of opportunities around you?
And do you at the same time stop and think about the practicalities of it all? How long it will take? If you have the resources needed? Do you think about what’s going on in the market and how that might impact your plan? Do you stare reality in the face without fear or hesitation?
Then you’re a realistic optimist.
Clever of you. You see, realistic optimism has the perfect balance of reality and optimism. It’s the perfect marriage of a cool head and a sunny outlook. Your realism forces you to assess all relevant facts and circumstances – and your optimism keeps you going forward towards the goal. But at the same time, the optimism is the overarching driver. There’s a relentlessness in there that often increases the chances of good outcomes.
Optimism on its own can easily become a rosy-eyed dream and nothing more. And optimists that try to convince someone else is often disregarded as someone who is having their head in the clouds. Whereas realistic optimists can rally support through a more complete picture, of both practicalities and hope.
“The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change
The realist adjusts the sails”
William A Ward
Think of the year ahead. How will you use your realistic optimism as a way of achieving your goals? How can you get that balance right? How can you create a bright future?
Yes, to a realistic optimistic, the future is bright, because she/he is going to make sure it happens, not just dream about it.
About the authors
Mandy Flint & Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, award-winning authors of ”The Team Formula”.
Their latest book, multi-award-winning ”Leading Teams – 10 Challenges: 10 Solutions”, published by Financial Times International is a practical tool for building winning teams. You can download a free chapter of the book at www.leadingteamsbook.com
Praise for ”Leading Teams: ”Leadership is about effective conversations. This book is a very useful ready reckoner for leaders everywhere seeking the words and methods needed each day at work.” Sanjay Gupta, CEO English Helper Inc, India.
