Only the Optimists Survive - BusinessWeek

Only the Optimists Survive - BusinessWeek


The Case for Optimism May 18, 2009, 2:02PM EST text size: TT

Only the Optimists Survive

In moments of crisis, writes management consultant and author Warren Bennis, "Yes, We Can" is far more than a political slogan
By Warren Bennis

Excerpts:

Making Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Of course, some of the same old rules of management will always apply. Hard work and luck still make a difference; and as golfing legend Ben Hogan noted, the more he practiced, the luckier he got. Yet optimism is what puts work and luck to proper use, helping the leader to see a new event as a serendipitous inflection point rather than a disruption. Steve Jobs' decision to fund the development of the iPod, while others were retrenching in the face of the dot-com bust, is just one such transforming moment of boldness.

A common expression in recent months has been, "It's too big too fail." But nothing is too big or too small to fail. Sustainable organizations are based on the same principles that guide successful individuals. Good organizations and good leaders, especially in our tense and uncertain moment in history, have the capacity to bounce back; to adapt as necessary; to persevere with an expectation of success; and to engage others in a shared sense of purpose; and to win a reputation for integrity through these other qualities.

This is not merely a recipe for good cheer; in our times, it's a blueprint for survival.

Warren Bennis, University Professor at the University of Southern California, is the author of a newly revised, 20th anniversary edition of On Becoming a Leader, which was named the best leadership book of all time by Jack Covert and Todd Sattersten in their new volume, The 100 Best Business Books of All Time.

Read full Article: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/may2009/ca20090518_917239.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis

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This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.