Trigger Question #119:
If you are like me, then you find positivity, well, positively uplifting. And you feel negativity to be rather heavy.
So, when you face a daunting decision, what do you give more weight to? Rosy information or pessimistic data? The hope of success or the fear of failure? Do you then spend more time on achieving the promising and avoiding the bleak?
If we weigh positivity more, then we aim to thrive and expand. But if we weigh negativity more, our aim is to consolidate and to protect. Or so I imagine.
Of course, there is a season for everything. One such season is called the economic cycle. Sometimes things go well and our optimism thrives. And at other times, our pessimism spreads. But, irrespective of the season, up or down, some roles require you to radiate cheer rather than to ooze gloom. Roles like leadership and management. (Surely, pessimistic leadership is an oxymoron.)
Decades ago, Peter Drucker reminded managers that their role is to focus on opportunities. He had noticed that too often managers instead spent time and energy dealing with problems. (Peter Drucker knew a thing or two about management. People in the know have described him as the founder of modern management.)
So, as leader and manager, where do you direct your energy? Do you focus on solving problems and eliminating threats? Or do you focus on gaining advantage and exploiting opportunities?
Let’s assume that Peter Drucker was right. Now the question becomes: if you focus on opportunity, should you be bold or prudent?
Guess what? It comes down to what you weigh more. The positive or the negative.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“I’m not really a pessimist. It’s just that optimism takes more effort.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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