identify clear action steps to tackle the problem and move forward together.
You’re transparent with your team One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to shelter your team from looming problems. Optimistic realists know that you can be transparent about the issues at hand while also being the encouraging force that gets your team back on track. That’s because transparency leads to trust. Your honesty builds a better work environment.
You understand your limitations Optimistic realists know that they
can’t do it all, but they also know that the team around them can help them accomplish so much more. Your greatest resources as a leader are the people you work with every day. Be honest with them that you need help and remain positive that they will help you come up with the solution.
You sense when it’s time to reset Times of crisis are opportunities to reflect on the big picture. But as a leader, it’s on you to make the final call when it’s time to push the ‘reset’ button. Always go back to your goals and ask yourself the tough questions: Are we still on track? Have we lost sight of our vision?
Great teams build great organizations. So the next time a crisis hits, reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses – then rally and pull from the people around you. When your team sees you as an optimistic realist, they will likely adopt the attitude for themselves. You will encourage a workplace of critical thinkers who know there’s a solution to every problem and who will work tirelessly until they find it. Brian de Haaff is the co-founder and CEO of Aha! and the author of Lovability. His two previous companies were acquired by well-known public corporations. De Haaff writes and speaks about product and company growth and the adventure of living a meaningful life. For more information, visit aha.io.
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