Research on optimism psychology shows that optimism sprouts from the strong conviction of an individual about their control on themselves and the environment around them. The belief that an individual can significantly affect the environment and a situation results in optimism. A person is pessimistic if he or she does not believe that they have the power to affect their environment. Optimistic people move a step ahead of others. Impossibilities are challenges for them which they accept bravely and often turn them into possibilities. If they fail they accept it with grace and treat it as a lesson for their future rather than ‘Failure’. Optimism is the most important and visible trait of the leaders. This does not mean that great leadership is solely dependent on optimism but the fact remains that optimism is essential constituent if leadership. On the other hand pessimist attitude results in lowering the spirits and possible failure as an effective leader. Good leaders work on cultivating and optimistic attitude with in themselves and other people. Developing optimism helps them to change negativity that surrounds them and their work into positivity. (Carver, Scheier & Segerstrom, 2010; Chemers, Watson & May, 2000; Harari, 2002)
Optimism can be developed by identifying the advantages of circumstances and creating and maintaining a positive perception, particularly in the case of failures. One can perceive failure as a setback and lament over it or perceive it as a lesson for the future. The choice is always of the leader. Optimism can also be cultivated by focusing all the energies towards the task that needs to be done rather than spending all the energies on the negativities like fear of failure or possibility of missing a deadline. An optimistic attitude is built by perceiving failures and setbacks as momentary hurdles on the road to success. Failure is not always because of a lack in efforts of an individual but because of a complex mix of internal and external factors. (George, 2000)
Ayesha stresses that it is very important for a leader to develop an optimistic attitude but an overly optimistic attitude is dangerous. One should always be realistic when being optimistic and know how to identify a situation that can be dealt with optimism and a situation that requires immediate action. For example if a company is downsizing because of recession, one cannot sit and think that I will not get fired but start looking for other opportunities immediately.
- Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F. & Segerstrom, S. C. 2010, ‘Optimism’, Clinical Psychology Review.
- Chemers, M. M., Watson, C. B. & May, S. T. 2000, ‘Dispositional affect and leadership effectiveness: A comparison of self-esteem, optimism, and efficacy’, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 26 (3), p. 267.
- George, J. M. 2000, ‘Emotions and leadership: The role of emotional intelligence’, HUMAN RELATIONS-NEW YORK-, 53 (8), pp. 1027-56
- Harari, O. 2002, The leadership secrets of Colin Powell, 1st ed. ed, McGraw-Hill, New York ; London.