Research shows that 50-70% of how employees perceive their organization can be traced to the actions of one person: the leader. People take their behavioral and attitudinal cues from higher management . . . particularly from the person they report to.
Based on disciplined research from the field of positive psychology, Hard Optimism helps your people develop the thought patterns that build resilience . . . that serve as a buffer against stress . . . that energize, empower, and enhance performance in virtually all circumstances.
What’s the core competency all organizations need in order to be competitive in the 21st century?
The ability to deal effectively with change.
Hard Optimism gives your leaders “power moves” that strengthen your organization and counter the damaging side-effects of change. Participants learn how to—
- Keep people engaged and productive
- Build a resilient, can-do culture
- Charge up the organization’s energy level and spirit
- Promote creativity and innovation
This workshop gives your leaders insights, tools, and actionable steps they can use immediately to drive change throughout the organization.
Hard Optimism Course Details
Length: Full Day In-Person Facilitated Workshop or Instructor-Led Virtual Program
Program Agenda
Module 1: Introduction
- What makes an organization strong?
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Deep Strengths and Operational Effectiveness
- Optimism and Hard Optimism
- Developing Hard Optimism
Module 2: Mindset
- The 3-lb. Tool
- Optimism vs. Pessimism
- Shift Perspective
- Brain Science
Module 3: Skills
- Make the Shift
- What are we missing?
- The Negative C-Words
- Recognize and dispute
Module 4: Habits
- The 8-Second Ride
- The Action-Reaction Behavior Cycle
- Small Moments
- Person-to-Person High-Performance Model
Module 5: Environment
- Power Move #1: The Power of Positive Demeanor
- Power Move #2: The Power of Positive Expectation
- Power Move #3: The Power of Positive Attention
- Power Move #4: The Power of Positive Guiding Questions
- Power Move #5: The Power of Funny
- Power Move #6: The Power of Playing to the Sweet Spot
Module 6: Conclusion
- What did you learn?
- Hard Optimism Action Plan
Target Audience
Leaders at all levels in any organization who have direct reports and/or the ability to impact the environment in which people work.
Key Objectives
- Increase Adaptability: Leaders will learn how to embrace change and uncertainty with a positive outlook, helping them to navigate and lead through transitions more effectively.
- Reduce the Impact of Negative Thinking: Leaders will learn techniques to identify and counteract negative thoughts that can undermine their effectiveness, leading to a more positive and proactive leadership approach.
- Develop a Resilient Mindset: Leaders will learn strategies to foster resilience, enabling them to maintain focus and effectiveness in the face of setbacks. This resilience can lead to sustained performance, even when faced with uncertainty and ambiguity.
- Improve Team Morale and Engagement: By adopting and modeling hard optimism, leaders can positively influence their teams, boost morale and foster engagement, which can translate into higher productivity and employee retention.
- Strengthen Decision-Making Under Pressure: The training will equip leaders with tools to make clear, confident decisions even under stress, minimizing the risk of hasty or reactive choices that could negatively impact the business.
- Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Leaders will learn to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset, which can lead to more innovative and effective outcomes.
- Build a Culture of Optimism: Leaders will understand how to instill a culture of optimism within their organization, which can enhance collaboration, creativity, and overall business performance.
Topics Addressed
- The benefits of optimism and non-negative thinking
- How to recognize and dispute the 5 Cs to develop a positive mindset
- How to use the Action-Reaction Behavior Cycle to increase employee energy and engagement
- How to foster positivity with the 5:1 Ratio
- 6 Power Moves that you can leverage to create an environment of Hard Optimism
Primary Results
This practical, research-based interactive workshop equips leaders with a model and “power moves” for capitalizing on the opportunities that change brings. It enables leaders to influence and harness the organization’s energy to achieve extraordinary results.
Companion program for individual contributors also available.
Hard Optimism Delivery & Materials
Hard Optimism can be taught by our professional facilitators or the client’s own in-house trainers. We offer a thorough Certification Program, in-person or virtual, that demonstrates the actual workshop for the trainer(s) and shows the best methods for conveying the critical aspects of the program Certification takes 2 days and includes a complete run-through of the course, extended discussion, and “teach-back” sessions.
