Back in the mid-1990s, the short lived television series called “My So-Called Life” dealt with teen life and important social issues of the day. The somewhat sarcastic title is so catchy because it captures the idea of meaninglessness and difficulty that so many teens experience. The show depicted the teen years as hard and full of struggle instead of light and fun. Some would consider this a pessimistic viewpoint; one that fosters a continued spiral downward towards a full-on nihilistic world view.
Unfortunately, many leaders today are caught in their “so-called leadership” as they are bombarded by a myriad of global and local challenges that appear impossible to overcome. Reality is negative, powerful, and seems to mockingly force a sense of hopelessness into businesses, organizations, and individuals. At this point, does good leadership even matter? What can be accomplished anyway? Ah, the uphill battle to keep doing what is right and good even when everything is seemingly falling apart. The fight is worth it, because the leader’s character and influence can motivate followers to choose a positive trajectory towards good outcomes. In diametric opposition is the leader enslaved by negativity and a “nothing matters anyway” attitude, leading to waste and destruction.
Turn “so-called leadership” into “such good leadership” by choosing a strategic approach to processing reality. First, the tried and true SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis (www.mindtools.com) is one tool to help leaders become aware of realities in order to formulate actions to navigate through the realities. However, good leadership is more than just understanding situations and plotting a course to something better. Therefore, after strategically assessing, leaders need to strategically possess the personal characteristics necessary to guide followers to best outcomes. So each leader should ask the question: What do I need to do to gain the knowledge, skills and attitude that will best facilitate these people, in this situation, at this time? Then, pursue those attributes.
This strategic approach to leadership produces better relationships, results, and return on investment. The key is to persevere even when it’s a rough road. You can succeed! As Babe Ruth said, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
Photo by familymwr. Dr. Renée N. Hale is founder and president of WellSpirit Consulting Group, Inc.—engaging organizations around the world to get well, stay well, and create positive futures. Visit www.wellspiritconsulting.com today. © 2011 Renée N. Hale
The classic movie The Wizard of Oz brings to life the famous Flying Monkeys of the Wicked Witch of the West. These strange beasts do the bidding of the evil witch as they are sent out to capture victims and bring them back to the witch’s dungeon. Many a child’s nightmare has resulted from the scary scene in the movie where the flying monkeys snatch up innocent, terrified Dorothy and whisk her away. It’s a scene that evokes despair and fear. How can Dorothy escape the clutches of this evil? 
Are you hope-“full” or hope-“less”? Do you consider hope an extension of fantasy or a catalyst for reality? The saying, “The glass is either half full or half empty” speaks of hope—it’s your choice of viewpoint! Your belief about hope influences your life’s trajectory and the lives of those with whom you interact. Research in the area of hope in the workplace tells us that hope can help people move to each next step of positive change. Without hope, people may not see a reason to even try—either individually or corporately. Business author Harry Hutson says, “Hope is a positive force of action that engages people to work for a better future. It’s present in individual lives, social institutions, and increasingly, as a differentiating factor in winning organizations.” Do you believe it? Take time to consider your leadership role and allow the theme of “hope” to shape your thoughts and actions. Lead yourself and positively influence others through three steps of embracing hope. 