SYPartners

8 tips for bringing out optimism on your team.

Click each card for insights from leaders.
1

Connect the work to something bigger.

"I try to constantly remind my team of the big picture—and how their work ladders up to something bigger than the task at hand. It can be seriously inspiring."

Virginia Rustique-Petteni, Senior Director of Relationships, Girl Effect

2

Learn the art of seeing.

"The best leaders go out into the world and see—rituals, symbols, gaps in experiences. Through seeing, leaders expand the team's ability to believe in new possibilities."

Susan Schuman, CEO, SYPartners

3

Take the untrodden path.

"If you think of all the famous leaders in the world, they have always pushed people beyond the current boundary—to a future state, to something new, to something more exciting (even if uncomfortable initially)."

Jonathan Ferrar, VP, IBM Smarter Workforce

4

Reframe the conversation.

"I try to unpack some of the hesitation, while trying to reframe the conversation. Why should we aim lower? Let's talk about why it didn't work."

Rebecca Lehrer, Co-founder, The Mash-Up Americans

5

Communicate clearly and often.

"The number one tool for stoking optimism is communication... having clear goals that everyone understands helps provide a framework for communicating progress."

Dave Panos, Chairman, Rightside

6

Be transparent about challenges ahead.

"When you have your moments of doubt and it shows (and it will), be transparent. Help your team understand how you're feeling and how you're working through it."

Adam Schorr, Independent Consultant

7

Summon bravery—even in face of fear.

"In a time of uncertainty and fear, don't put your head down. Don't be a turtle and hole up in your shell hoping no one will see you. Rise, and take others with you."

Christa Avampato, Director of Product Development, Envolve Innovation Lab

8

Embrace failure—the best leaders do.

"I try to maintain an environment where failure is acceptable so the team isn't gripped with fear or inaction. Beyond that, I often remind the team, 'If not us, then who?'"

Ben Stuart, CMO, Surescripts