CHAPTER 4

The Downside of Optimism: Missteps and Excess

If you fall prey to the temptation to constantly search for something positive to grab on to in hopes of eliminating, hiding, or concealing negative emotions, you will lose in the game of life.—TODD KASHDAN AND ROBERT BISWAS-DIENER,THE UPSIDE OF YOUR DARK SIDE

Optimistic work environments are energizing. Yet you need to be mindful about ignoring the nonoptimistic realities influencing your team. To do so will create a false sense that everything is okay. The truth is, work can be damn right infuriating. Even though the positive climate helps employees do better work and creates joy, your team is not impervious to the downsides of work life. So it is important to know the potential missteps ...

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