---
title: Leaders Need Realistic Optimism: Shantha Mohan
description: Shantha Mohan believes risk-taking is essential for innovations, and optimism is necessary for taking risks.
image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Center%20of%20Optimism%20Assets/Lighthouse%20on%20the%20beach%20at%20dawn.jpg
---

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# Leaders Need Realistic Optimism: Shantha Mohan

<https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/leaders-need-realistic-optimism-shantha-mohan>

"Optimism is contagious. When a team hears a leader say something can be done, and we can do it together, the positivity energizes the team members to pull together and deliver the best for the organization’s success. Balancing optimism by acknowledging the challenges creates a realistic environment that promotes actions and results."

That's the conclusion of Dr Shantha Mohan in an essay, "[Optimism: What Every Leader Needs Today](https://ceoworld.biz/2023/01/26/optimism-what-every-leader-needs-today/)."

Shantha writes, "Leaders also need a healthy dose of realistic optimism, which requires acknowledging the challenges while feeling positive about making an impact."

Shantha refers to the Beatle's Song "Getting Better," which is on our [Music for Optimism playlist](https://music.apple.com/au/playlist/optimism/pl.u-K4gGIDMy7a).

"In my book, Leadership Lessons with The Beatles, I devoted a chapter to optimism and titled it “Getting Better,” one of The Beatles’ songs. A friend asked me why I didn’t choose “Here Comes the Sun,” a song that conveys the essence of hope, as the title. You need hope, but we cannot expect things to be taken care of automatically. We need the drive, commitment to improving, and conviction to succeed. We need action, and we need innovations."

 

Shatha asks, "How Do You Lead with Optimism? " and makes four suggestions:

- Build on Emotional Intelligence
- See Through the Lens of Possibilities
- Practice Gratitude
- Take Care of Yourself

 

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