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OPTIMISM VERSUS REALISM AND OPENNESS

Leaders have a key role to play in maintaining hope and commitment in the face of transition. When people are stressed by a crisis or major upheaval, they look to their leaders for positive energy and confidence. Optimism is the ability to see the positive potential of any challenge. A leader who exudes optimism is a “glass is half full” kind of person who communicates and conveys that optimism to others.

But optimism must not be blind or ungrounded. It should be balanced with and validated by realism and openness. This means having a grounded perspective and a willingness to be candid. Leaders who are realistic are clear and honest about assessing a situation and prospects for the future. They are candid ...

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