A Culture of Hope is a Strategic Advantage

Hope is not a strategy. You’ve no doubt heard this bit of wisdom and it’s likely to be true if that’s all you do—sit around and hope for the best. In reality, however, a culture of hope is essential during this economic crisis. You must have faith that “this, too, shall pass”…and it will. And, as a leader, it’s your job to ensure your people believe in the future as well.

As Napoleon said, "A leader is a dealer in hope." And, noted leadership expert, Joe Batten adds, “The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive.” Helen Keller may have said it best of all: “ Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope…”

Will your company be ready to hit the ground running with the right people with the right frame of mind to jump on the opportunities that are around the corner? Have you created a culture of hope in your company?

Scott Lochridge and Jennifer Rosenzweig, founding partners of Dragonfly (www.dragonflyORG.com), support the notion that hope is a powerful force in the world in their new book, enlightenment, incorporated. They also point out that in tough times, people and organizations lose hope and they get scared. When they get scared, they fall into negative, fearful behavior. People spend more time complaining and sharing their fears which cuts into their productive work.

This can be the beginning of a downward spiral. The negativity places a pall on the organization causing the best people to leave. And if they can’t afford to leave now, they will when the economy turns around. Lochridge and Rosenzweig warn us, “Once the good talent leaves, the organization is left with staff that is usually frightened, risk averse, and by definition, less talented.” In these difficult times, and when the good times roll again, the last thing you want to do is drive the good talent away.

A sure way to keep top talent (and maintain high productivity) is to create and manage a culture of hope for the future. Hope is what sustains us as humans and a culture of hope in your organization is what will enable you to focus your team on your vision and implement your business strategy with an aligned, positive workforce that pulls together.