Choose Optimism | Youry Royke P.T. | LeadingSelf Expect The Best

Summary

In this leadership session on 'Expect the Best,' the speaker emphasizes three best practices: Choose Optimism, Fail Forward, and Remember Wins. The focus is on 'Choose Optimism,' which involves maintaining a positive mindset in leadership. Key tips include starting with a vision, remembering your 'why,' seeing the good in others, refusing to dwell on circumstances, smiling often, not making a big deal out of small issues, believing people can change, and refusing to tolerate negativity. These strategies help leaders maintain optimism and effectively lead themselves and their teams.

Takeaways

• 😀 Optimism is key in leadership, and it involves focusing on the positive.
• 💧 The 'half-full vs. half-empty' analogy is used to highlight optimistic vs. pessimistic mindsets.
• ⛰️ Leaders should start with a clear vision, like reaching a mountain summit.
• 🤔 Remembering your 'why' helps maintain motivation when challenges arise.
• 👍 Focus on seeing the good in others, which helps sustain optimism within a team.
• 🛑 Avoid dwelling on negative circumstances and rise above them mentally.
• 😊 Smiling can trigger positive emotions and foster an optimistic outlook.
• 🌱 Don't make a big deal out of small problems to maintain a positive mindset.
• 🔄 Believe that people can change, and this will encourage optimism within your team.
• 🚫 Refuse to tolerate negative and overly critical team members to maintain a positive environment.

Q & A

What is the first best practice in the 'Expect the Best' session?

The first best practice is to 'Choose Optimism,' which encourages a positive mindset in leadership.

What example does the speaker give to explain optimism?

The speaker uses a water bottle example, asking whether it is seen as half-full or half-empty. Seeing it as half-full indicates an optimistic mindset.

How does optimism relate to leadership according to the speaker?

Optimism in leadership means maintaining a positive outlook, especially when leading oneself. It involves controlling one’s mental attitude in response to situations, rather than being controlled by external factors.

What is the importance of having a vision in optimism?

Having a vision helps leaders focus on a goal, like hiking a mountain with the goal of reaching the summit. Without a clear vision, progress is hindered.

Why is 'Remember your why' crucial in maintaining optimism?

'Remember your why' is important because it provides motivation to keep going, especially in challenging circumstances like bad weather during a mountain hike.

How does 'See the good in others' contribute to optimism in leadership?

Focusing on the positive traits in team members helps maintain optimism, as it prevents leaders from losing hope or being bogged down by negative perceptions.

What does the speaker mean by 'Refuse to dwell in your circumstances'?

It means not allowing negative situations or conditions to overwhelm you mentally. Instead, rise above the circumstances and maintain a positive outlook.

How does smiling contribute to optimism?

Smiling triggers a physical response that leads to positive emotions. As Anthony Robins said, 'motion is the source of emotion,' so smiling can help create a sense of joy and optimism.

Why should small problems not be blown out of proportion?

Blowing up small problems makes it harder to stay optimistic. It's important to keep a level-headed perspective and not let minor obstacles become major setbacks.

What is the significance of believing that people can change in a team setting?

Believing that people can change fosters optimism, as it allows leaders to stay hopeful and positive about the potential growth and improvement of their team members.