--- title: "All great leaders share one critical quality: infectious optimism" description: "All great leaders share one quality: infectious optimism. Authentic optimistic leadership is about unlocking team optimism." image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202024-04-11%2006.13.45%20-%20An%20inspiring%20and%20dynamic%20digital%20artwork%20portraying%20a%20diverse%20group%20of%20extraordinary%20optimists%20standing%20together%20on%20top%20of%20a%20vibrant%20and%20colorful%20Eart.webp --- ###### [Check out Our latest insights on Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog) [![Centre for Optimism_Logo](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.centreforoptimism.com) - [Subscribe](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/subscribe) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - [The Optimism Principle](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/theoptimismprinciple) - [Need Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/services-and-workshops) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - [Victor Perton - That Optimism Man](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton) - [Magnetic Optimism for Organisations](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/magnetic-optimism-workshops) ![Close Icon (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Close%20Icon%20(3).svg) ![Search (2)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Search%20(2).svg) ###### [Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/leadership) , ###### [Australian Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/australian-leadership) , ###### [Infectious Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/infectious-optimism) # All great leaders share one critical quality: infectious optimism **Optimistic Leadership: Unlocking the Power Within Teams by Victor Perton** All great leaders share one critical quality: infectious optimism. However, authentic optimistic leadership isn't just about delivering inspiring speeches from a podium—it's about unlocking and nurturing the optimism within the team members.  That's the insight and wisdom I shared as the final keynote speaker at the [Rise Initiative Leadership Advance Conference](https://riseinitiative.org.au/leadership-advance-2024/) yesterday, commencing the concluding session "Looking to the Future." **Understanding and Cultivating Optimism** To cultivate this kind of optimism, leaders first need to understand what makes their team members and stakeholders optimistic. This understanding becomes a powerful tool that guides how they inspire and lead their teams. Try out my ["What makes you Optimistic?" Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CfOWebsite)- the instant feedback is a plus. [![Worth Doing: Our 5-Minute Survey on "What makes you Optimistic?"](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/3fe2583c-4bf7-44c7-b2c7-b0a950f65f53.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/3fe2583c-4bf7-44c7-b2c7-b0a950f65f53) At the Centre for Optimism, we focus on self-leadership, self-empowered leadership, and infectious optimism.  A favourite mantra among our supporters and workshop participants is, "The Leader looks like the person in My Mirror." This mantra reflects the personal nature of optimism and leadership; it starts with oneself and spreads to others around them. What about writing that on the mirror at work? **Optimism in Practice** Infectious optimism is recognised as a critical success trait in leadership by the world's top head-hunting firms. This trait extends across various professional fields—from sales, where optimistic salespeople achieve higher sales figures, to medicine, where optimistic doctors are more accurate in their diagnoses. When recruiting, it is advantageous to seek out optimists. Although they may initially lack specific job skills, their enthusiasm and proactive nature enable them to learn quickly and perform excellently. During interviews, asking candidates about what makes them optimistic and how they spread this optimism to others can provide deep insights into their potential cultural and professional fit. It's the only way you'll find innovators - innovation is almost impossible for pessimists. **Local and Global Perspectives on Optimism** My research for the Australian Leadership Project has demonstrated that optimistic leaders are more effective locally and globally. This sentiment is echoed across various sectors and regions; whether it's Silicon Valley's thriving tech industry or Israel's innovative ecosystem, optimism is a pivotal element of success. **Fostering Optimism in Organisations** Encouraging open conversations about optimism and its sources within corporate and institutional settings can significantly enhance morale and efficiency. For example, a Singaporean businessman I advised found that shifting the focus of his sales team meetings (monthly) to expressions of optimism boosted morale and sustained it effectively.  As I did at the conference, you are welcome to try out and share [my "What is Your Optimism Superpower?" exercise](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/superpower2024). It's fun and people love engaging in board table or roundtable conversations on it. [Take the survey here](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/superpower2024). Something simple? Make sure you give a genuine smile and a joyful greeting to everyone you pass. [![Read More: Smile Like an Optimist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/6aa83d87-1779-4a1d-a384-54fd023eba56.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/6aa83d87-1779-4a1d-a384-54fd023eba56) **Conclusion** Optimistic leadership is more than just having a positive outlook; it's about actively fostering an environment where optimism can flourish and drive success. By embedding this principle in their leadership style, leaders not only enhance their effectiveness but also contribute to the well-being and productivity of their organisations. As we navigate the complexities of modern life and work, the ability to unlock and spread optimism will continue to be a defining trait of great leaders. [![Please Take Our Positive Leadership Survey](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/724536b5-ff18-46f4-8533-f2f78db121b9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/724536b5-ff18-46f4-8533-f2f78db121b9)       [Written by Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) ##### Keep up to date with the latest from Centre for Optimism ##### We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us spread optimism with the world [![Give Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436) #### Here are some similar articles ###### [Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/leadership) , ###### [Persistent Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/persistent-optimism) , ###### [Resilience](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/resilience) #### [Chris Penk on the Nature of Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/penk?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/penk?hsLang=en) ###### [Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/leadership) , ###### [Happiness](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/happiness) , ###### [Success](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/success) #### [Binod Atreya: Optimism is a Mindset that Leads to Success in our Lives](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/binod?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/binod?hsLang=en) ###### [migrants](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/migrants) , ###### [Australia](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/australia) , ###### [Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/leadership) #### [Leadership with Heart: Agostino Giramondo’s Case for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/agostino?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/agostino?hsLang=en) ## Connect With Us ##### We love to connect with everyone who is ready to open up and share their optimisim. - [![Facebook 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Center%20of%20Optimism%20Assets/Facebook%202.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/optimistsvoices/) - [![instagram (6)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/instagram%20(6).svg)](https://www.instagram.com/centreforoptimism/?hl=en) - [![linked in 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/linked%20in%202.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centreforoptimism/) - [![youtube (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/youtube%20(3).svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFd4GnToz3WLasQSfsz_z8w) - [![twitter](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/Centre4Optimism) #### Keep up to date with the latest from The Centre for Optimism ##### Contact Us Call Us: [+61 417 217 241](tel:+61%20417%20217%20241) (Australia) PO Box 5081, Garden City, Victoria 3207, Australia ##### [The Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? 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