Optimism as a leadership value

By: Rebecca Hutton, President & CEO, Leadership Indianapolis

Our organization is in the midst of a strategic plan refresh, resetting goalposts and weaving in current challenges and opportunities. Among the updates, one small change stands out – we are adding optimism to our core values.

I know what you’re thinking. “Optimism? Now?!” When the world feels chaotic for so many, when organizations and nonprofits across the country are facing budget cuts and programming impacts, when social media algorithms excel at convincing us that we are a country of division and polarization – is now a realistic time for optimism?

And I say yes. It’s more critical than ever for leaders to operate with a healthy dose of optimism.

There’s a mindset that optimistic voices can sound detached from reality or out of touch, but that doesn’t need to be the case.  Optimism shouldn’t ignore reality, but rather be rooted in it. That is what allows us to see what can and should be. We can’t be tone deaf, but when people say, “this isn’t the best that we can be”, leaders are the ones who say, “I will help us find that better version of ourselves.”

Transformational thinking about how things can change for the better comes from a belief that change can actually happen. Vision is inherently born from optimism, from believing in what can be and then working to make it a reality. We – as leaders – have an obligation to carry that optimism in even the hardest moments because otherwise, what are we leading people to?

I know many of us are exhausted. The pandemic was merely five years ago, a difficult time marked by divisiveness, isolation and uncertainty, but I remember being struck by those who remained optimistic in spite of the chaos – people who inspired hope, found new ways of connecting with others, and believed that there was a way to get through the challenges Optimism moves us forward,  so we don’t stay stuck.

So how do we maintain optimism in difficult times? The way we move through challenging moments as leaders is by building our skills – developing a leadership practice and not just a leadership philosophy.  Every organization experiences day-to-day chaos to a certain degree; the expectation of a leader is that rather than becoming paralyzed, you can see past that chaos, focus on a long-term vision, and take action. Trusting that you have the skills and the tools to move things forward helps to maintain your optimism.

Leadership programs are an incredibly valuable resource in building those skills and knowledge. Believing in the future alone doesn’t make it happen. Actively learning and practicing skills such as stakeholder management, conflict resolution and change management, honing your communication style and connecting with others from diverse backgrounds lets you move past the chaos and stay focused on the path forward.

Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, no matter what issue you’re tackling, whether you’re leading a community or a company, whether you reside in an urban or rural area – it’s the use of skills that transforms a vision into a reality, that creates stability, and builds a better future.

In that same vein, community leadership programs provide value regardless of the participant’s age or career stage. Younger generations bring creativity and imagination but need to refine their approach and gain experience. Seasoned leaders bring insight and historical knowledge but need to adapt skills to this particular moment and embrace new ways of doing things.

The days of relying on your company to be the only resource for leadership training are long gone; the pace is faster, budgets are tighter and often employees are promoted to leadership positions, handed new business cards and expected to learn on the fly. Leadership books and podcasts – and there are many – can be valuable learning tools. But nothing replaces the experience of being in a room and in community with other leaders who can broaden your perspective. Leaders are often expected to have all the answers and don’t always have space to be vulnerable; leadership programs provide an opportunity to share challenges and obstacles with others.

Leadership Indianapolis is proud to serve the Indianapolis area but there are great community leadership programs throughout Indiana and around the country. Visit the National Community Leadership Collaborative website, reach out to your local chamber of commerce, or do a quick search on the internet to find one near you.

Optimism is more than hope – it’s a deliberate choice and a daily practice. As leaders, the question is not whether we can dream, but whether we are equipped to sustain that vision while facing a difficult reality head-on. Optimism demands courage to envision what could be, discipline to take the steps that will get us there, and a commitment to do the hard work required to turn possibility into progress.

Read more Perspectives from Leadership Indianapolis President & CEO Rebecca Hutton and other leaders at Inside INdiana Business.