Are You Leading with Authentic Optimism?

This interesting piece in Inc. highlighted an important message delivered by Delta’s leadership: hope, optimism, and confidence. Of course, the airline industry continues to suffer greatly in this worldwide pandemic.

The tone and tenor from the top, whether confident or gloomy, can be a powerful contributor to organizational culture. I was struck by this observation: “It's a fine line to walk as a business leader: maintaining trust and confidence and reassuring stakeholders, while also acting as the cheerleader-in-chief.”

The ability to project confidence and optimism in uncertain times strikes me as a critical trait for a leader. People tend to sniff out insincerity, and are uninspired by pablum. A good leader should have developed a reputation for authenticity. This is earned over time, in matters large and small.

Are you leading with an authentic message of hope and optimism?