Affirmation Is Leadership: #10 Optimistic. An 11-Part Series.

Seeing the cup half full is an old adage which speaks of optimism and hope. We’ve all heard this expression. We have bought into this because it is a picture definition. We are people who respond to symbols because they have meaning. When we see street signs we know immediately what action to take. When we see landscapes it invokes a certain level of emotion within us. When we have a word picture it is vital because people immediately know what it means and how to act.

Leaders who inspire are easier to follow than managers who inspect. I contend that the leader’s optimism is key to helping others achieve more and to commit emotionally to objectives and the mission. It’s no longer about the paycheck or the benefits or the time off. It is about the cause of the organization. The mission statement only go so far. It might tell us what we do but it doesn’t explain the motivation from within.

Leaders who inspire are naturally optimistic. Even during stressful times they look for ways to make steps into the future, even if the future is unknown to them.This goes beyond a simple culture of the organization but it is in fact speaking to the very DNA of the cause. People do what they believe in. People act according to their interest.

The reason why I have included this in leadership and affirmation is because an optimistic leader will naturally invoke trust and good will. I believe that this is part of affirmation. Leaders can represent this as a symbol or as a word picture. They say things like, "I like that leader," or "I’ll follow that leader."

When hiring employees a leader will focus on the calling of the cause. Managers focus on competence, the abilities of people. Board members focus on character, they want their mission to be protected. I believe that the calling to the cause is central, all other traits needed can be taught.
Leadership is affirmation. Leaders who are firm others are the better leader. They go beyond simply managing and invoke a sense of calling in the organization.

There are leaders and those that lead. Leaders hold positions of authority over us. Those that lead inspire us. - Simon Sinek

Read article #11.