the mount vernon report early winter 2003 - vol. 3, no. 4

8/8/2019 The Mount Vernon Report Early Winter 2003 - vol. 3, no. 4

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A recent study revealed that the most essential personalitytrait consistently shared among successful CEOs is optimism more so than ambition, intelligence or competitiveness. Weoften think only of people as optimistic or pessimistic, butbusinesses can fall into those categories as well. Optimism

can play a large role not only in the success of an individual,but also in the success of a business.

An interesting phenomenon occurs around optimistic peopleand businesses good things happen to them. Optimismis a valuable motivator. It is a driving force that enablesindividuals to take action or make the best of a bad situation.It is a state of mind that encourages high expectations, which,in turn, fuel success.

Just as doom and gloom can be self-fulfilling in business, socan optimism. Rather than looking at the glass as half fullor half empty, the real challenge is looking at the glass andthinking, What can I do to make it full?

Optimists and pessimists operate very differently, and businesssuccess is a direct result of individual actions. Optimists takemore risks and try more new things they cheerfully dealwith problems head on, rather than withdrawing in presumeddefeat. They view failure as something changeable, somethingthat can be overcome. Pessimists blame themselves for failure,attributing it to some permanent characteristic. Because ofthis, optimists are more successful in negotiating our worldof constant change.

Mount Vernon Reportthe

v o l. 3 n o . 4E a r l y W i n t e r 2 0 0 3

I s su e s Af f e c t in g Repu ta t i on Manag emen t and S t ra t e g i c Communi ca t i on

{SE E OP T IMIS M- P G 2}

Being in the reputation management profession necessitates aconstant awareness of world events. One of the best ways todo this is to tune into National Public Radio (NPR).

Its hard to be an optimist when the news reports delivera daily message of strife and hopelessness. But, as thephilosopher says, it is the blackness that makes the light soredeeming when it shines.

Recently, WBUR-FM, Bostons NPR affiliate, aired a storyby Daniel Schorr on the 40th anniversary of the assassinationof John F. Kennedy. His report reminded us that the nobleaspects of Kennedys reputation remain fresh.

JFKs youthfulness and joie de vivrepersonified optimism.Kennedy always had a quick joke or self-effacing quip, along

Optimism Can Fuel Business Success

World War II, JFK wrote a note to his rescuers on a coconutand floated it out to sea. He knew that if you could dreamit, you could probably achieve it. He foresaw a world freeof the threat of nuclear war, and an America free of racialinjustice. Perhaps the most lasting of his optimistic gambitswas the dream of putting a man on the moon before the

where others saw obstacles.

Optimists overcome adversity through will, persistenceand hard work. Optimism is contagious. Optimists blazewith hope and emit inspiration. Positive leaders andcan-do companies with an unwavering sense of purposeand dauntless enthusiasm draw others into their vision.Optimists are competitors who love the chase almost asmuch as the victory.

The Power of Dreams

Confidence, idealism, trust, energy, good, right, positive, bright, bliss, hope, faith, happy, Shackleton, smile,upbeat. These are words my colleagues equate with optimism. I would add the wordsuccessto that list.

with a sense of humility. When his PT boat sank during

1960s ended. Kennedy was a leader who saw the possibilities


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{OP T IMIS M- cont . from pg. 1}

In more than 30 years of research on the topic, Dr. MartinSeligman, a noted psychologist, revealed that optimists:

> Set higher objectives and have a strongercommitment to their goals.

> Are resilient they have the staying power forlong-term success.

> Demonstrate persistence they believe challengescan be overcome.

>

Are flexible, enabling them to effectively managenew circumstances.

> Recover quickly from rejection and setbacks.

> Focus on how it can be accomplished, rather thanwhy it cant be done.

> Are more secure with themselves.

> View success as permanent each successmotivates an optimist to achieve higher ideals.

> Believe they influence and control their results,

motivating them to try harder.

> Are capable of managing their motivation duringdifficult times.

> Consistently produce more than pessimists,particularly in challenging situations.

> Are healthier, physically, so take less sick-timefrom work.

> Are less likely to quit their jobs.

Optimism is a recurring theme in successful people, businessesand even expeditions throughout history.

The famed explorer Ernest Shackletons 1914 expedition toAntarctica is considered one of the greatest exploration epics, andserves as a parable for modern business in many ways. Among hisqualifications for members of his crew: Irrepressible optimism.

When the Ritz-Carlton won the Malcolm Baldridge NationalQuality Award, Horst Schulze, the luxury hotels CEO, was asked

to pinpoint the single most important factor behind the honor.People, Schulze said enthusiastically after only a few seconds ofthought. Having motivated, energetic, hardworking people withgreat attitudes. Thats the single most important factor.

During the Great Depression, the president of the Los AngelesChamber of Commerce was quizzed about the effects of theDepression on the City of Angels. He replied, Depression? Wehave no depression in Los Angeles, but I will admit that we arehaving the worst boom in many, many years.

When trying to grow his business, Starbucks Chairman and

CEO Howard Schultz identified the facts, acknowledged them

and creatively discovered ways of moving forward. Naysayerspointed out that Starbucks had no hold on the world s supplyof fine coffee and no patent on the dark roast. There are, theynoted, many reasons why cups of coffee would never be agrowth industry.

Today, the highly successful Starbucks has thousands of storesacross the U.S., and opens hundreds more each year.

Fueling the importance of optimism in business, especially intodays economy where every penny counts, the Bureau of LaborStatistics estimates that U.S. companies lose approximately $3billion per year due to negativity.

But, for pessimists, hope remains. In The Power of Positive Thinkingin Business, Scott Ventrella outlines a model to help businesses

Rather than looking at the glass

as half full or half empty,

the real challenge is looking

at the glass and thinking,

What can I do to make it full?


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achieve greater productivity and improved profitability. Thekey to achieving greater levels of performance in the workplaceis to equip people with ways to uncover and eliminate hiddenattitudinal barriers and re-discover positive behaviors, which hemaintains we all have, but are dormant in many. The first stepin increasing an individuals optimism level is to determine thepoint at which their mindset shifts to pessimism often one ormultiple events that act as triggers for that person. By re-orientinghow they view certain obstacles and setbacks, individuals canshort-circuit the chain reaction that leads to pessimism.

Being optimistic does not mean being unrealistic. According to an

article in Julys Harvard Business Review by consultant Dan Lovalloand Professor Daniel Kahneman, forecasts should be realisticbased on data and facts. But once plans are in place, contagiousoptimism can inspire the team to new heights, encouragingextraordinary efforts to achieve goals.

As we move into 2004, and we begin to see the dark cloud overthe economy lift, it seems important to aspire to bring optimismto all we do, in business and otherwise. Better attitudes will helpfuel recovery, and ultimately, success.

~ Megan Page

No pessimist ever discovered

the secrets of the stars,

or sailed to an uncharted land,

or opened a new heaven to the

human spirit.

- Helen Keller

We all have these mornings. You wake up on the wrong sideof the bed. The paper is late. Your cornflakes are too soggy.Inanimate objects seem to be plotting against you. You spendhalf the morning in traffic or the train runs late. It startsraining on your walk to the office. And then you step into theoffice and are greeted by someones unending chirpiness and acheerful, Good morning!

Suppress that urge to strangle them and to grumble: Whatso good about it?

Relax. Have a cup of coffee. Take a deep breath. And changeyour attitude!

Why? That foul disposition can make you sick. Literally!

Last summer, Dr. Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison, confirmed in a study whamany have believed for a long time: Optimism and positivethinking leads to a longer life. According to Davidsons studypeople with high activity in the left side of their brain, wherepositive thinking takes place, enjoy better immune systems thanthose who have a more active right side, where the negativeemotions are predominant.

Of course, pessimists can now claim that they are the onlypeople in their right minds.

Nonetheless, the study revealed that optimists have fewerillnesses and doctor visits, fewer accidents, better physicianratings of their general well being, and longer survival timesfollowing a heart attack or disease.

Thus, there is good reason for staying upbeat, positive andoptimistic. The heady force of optimism has powered ounations economic and political engines, led to such triumphs aputting a man on the moon, Lewis & Clarks trek across Americaand even depressing Bostons Central Artery undergroundBut now we know there are health benefits as well!

In other words, think happy thoughts and, though you may nohave discovered the Fountain of Youth, maybe youll avoid anasty cold this winter.

~ John Lamontagne


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The Mount Vernon Reportis published and copyrighted 2003 by Morrissey & Company, an independent reputation management and public relations firm headquartered at 121 MountVernon Street, Boston, MA 02108. Permission to copy and distribute is granted, provided that full attribution is given to Morrissey & Company. Further commentary or response to any the topics discussed in this issue is welcome and should be directed to 617-523-4141 or via email to [email protected].

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stressful morning in the office or a trying evening at home canfeel like an endless uphill trek with too much weight on our backsand too little steam in our engine. It is during these times thatoptimism seems impossible, while a devil sits on our shoulders

preaching the power of pessimism.

When faced with these demons, like our heroic locomotive, weseek out alternate routes and look to others. Visit characteristicallyoptimistic coworkers and soak up their positive vibe. Leave thecomplicated adult world behind and laugh with your children.Give your mind a rest and watch a funny movie. Fill your feetand your head with warm fuzzies and put on a pair of slippers,curl up on the couch and read a classic novel. Write in a journal.Go for a jog. Play your favorite CD, open that bottle of wineyou were saving for company, and ignore that negative little deviltrying hard to hang on to your shoulder and your mindset.

Lets face it: Sometimes it is easier to be negative than it is toremain optimistic. It seems all signs point to giving up, and thewill to keep going is a futile and frivolous aim. Sometimes itseems easier to abandon the train, leave the toys behind, and calla cab.

When this happens, there is only one thing to do: Fight your wayup the hill.

Or, as Dorie, the chronically forgetful but relentlessly cheerfulfish in Pixars animated blockbuster, Finding Nemo, might advise:Just keep on swimming.

~ Kerry Murphy

I think I can, I think I can. Those simple words, uttered and sputteredby Wally Pipers legendary storybook character, The Little EngineThat Could, have wiggled their way into our society s vernacularsociety as the optimists anthem.

The classic childrens story of a down-on-his-luck, toy-totinglocomotive and his unflinching perseverance has taughtgenerations of children, and adults alike, the literal strength ofpositive thinking.

In the story, an undersized train with a big heart, a venerableunderdog of the locomotive sect, sets off to deliver loads of goodfood and fun toys to deserving children everywhere. This littletrain pipes off a positive vibe, a turned up smile, and a cheerfuldisposition. No angry gray smoke stacks or screeching, dustywheels for this chipper choo choo.

Whats more, even when crisis hits in the form of a too steephill, and the temptation to give up rears its ugly head, the littletrain keeps going. He rallies his passengers, fires up his engineof can-do optimism, and transforms what little physical strengthhe has into an unstoppable emotional force that carries him, andthe childhood dreams of kids everywhere, above and beyond thechallenge he had faced.

Our locomotive hero literally turns mountains into molehills.

Behold, the power of optimism.

Like the famous little engine, we all have bad days. Sometimes

life gives us lemons, and often, the glass is indeed half empty. A

Accentuate the Positive

The only limit to our realization oftomorrow will be our doubts of today.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

the mount vernon report early winter 2003 - vol. 3, no. 4

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