A quick read of the daily newspaper clearly makes us aware that we live in a world of uncertainty, fear and change. And, we live on the edge regarding what lies ahead for all of us. Unpredictable and accelerated change perhaps is a call to action for all of us to rally around a common purpose: a life and business community that is anchored in valuing differences and striving to engender hope. We project hope in our words and actions.
“The best way to adapt to the future is to create it, then operate in the present as though the future existed today.” – William Guillony
A key role of leadership is to provide not only clear vision but business objectives and hope, in the broadest sense. Hope is as important to us as the air we breathe. By displaying care and compassion, we give others the gift of hope. Hope by sharing influence and accountability. Hope involves engaging others in a sense of a shared experience, a journey and a mission. This is done by developing and living a company culture of shared success, fostered by clear two-way collaborative expectations and communication about hope and dreams.
To lead with hope involves showing true emotions and displaying your human side — be the true deal even in a crisis. Hope begets hope!
Acknowledge the sacrifice (contribution) of others and put people first. Leading with hope entails painting a picture of the future in bright colors. Leading with fear may cause employees to move but it does not invoke motivation or unleash dreams of possibilities. Fear is a disease that attacks relationships and organization. In a world where fear continues creeping into our society through crime, war and poverty, hope still reigns. Hope and faith are members of the same family. Hope can actually increase employee satisfaction and thus productivity. Think about your own experiences and the effect that hope has on you and your family. It is more than ok to show others that you care!
Approach your business day with positive energy. As Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” So, start dealing! Hope makes a difference in our lives and is powerful. There is no time like the present for all of us to become “hope givers.” The fact is that our world is searching for hope! A true leader restores hope when it has been lost.
“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hope is the engine that drives the human ability to adapt, anticipate, embrace and to proactively respond to change. We convey hope in our words, actions and in our hearts. To hope is to be realistic, to choose our actions to challenges and circumstances and to be undaunted by the unknown or our fears.
Without a doubt, each leader has confronted, reflected and asked themselves the question: “How shall I lead?” I suspect that hope and fortitude helped carry the day. To engage, motivate and inspire are key leadership traits. Leaders are the voice and beacon of hope. Passionate andvital hope carries the day should be the mantra of leadership.
A leader who is a value-giver gives more to others then they expect in return. Hope gives us all energy, faith and the determination to light the fire of a bright future! Hope is indeed eternal!
