The Benefits of Choosing Optimism in Leadership

Even in the face of uncertainty, choosing optimism in leadership will improve employee job performance, engagement, and satisfaction. 

2025 was a challenging year for leaders around the world. Trying to lead through nonstop uncertainty left many people feeling defeated and discouraged. 2026 is already plagued by uncertainty – but leaders have chosen to face things with optimism.

Fortune/Deloitte published a CEO survey late in 2025 with a surprising finding: CEO outlook was rebounding from a negative outlook in spring 2025 to a positive one just six months later.

Pessimism over the global economy dropped to 32% from 58% in spring 2025, and optimism doubled to 28% from 14%.

Drilling down deeper, CEO optimism rose to 71% from 60% for company performance and to 47% from 32% for their industries. 

In short, CEOs are choosing optimism. 

Optimism starts with leaders

Much has been written about the benefits of positive company cultures:

• Higher levels of employee engagement, motivation, innovation, and job satisfaction
• Improved mental health
• Less stress
• Enhanced resilience, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities

The most effective leaders know this, and lean into this. 

The CEOs surveyed by Fortune/Deloitte are tapping into resiliency and agile thinking. Instead of staying stuck in a loop of uncertainty, they are reacting, adjusting, and continuing to refine their strategy. 

Like I said above, they are choosing optimism in leadership. You can too.

In fact, as a leader, it’s up to you to bring an optimistic outlook to your team. 

Imagine for a moment what it would look like if you brought a sunny attitude to each greeting in the hallway, each team meeting, each performance review? 

Even if you are not feeling particularly optimistic, you can fake it until you make it. Optimism is contagious. It will not only spread to others, but it will stay with you the entire day.

I work with many teams where the weather is always sunny. Even in 2025, most days were sunny ones.

It’s not because their organization was having a stellar year. 

It’s because leaders set an example. They smiled, they were kind. They continued to connect with their team, even when things were hard. They showed they cared. And their positive company culture reflects that.  

Optimism in leadership pays off in other ways, too. When you are faced with a big decision, you will be better able to manage through it if you are in a positive frame of mind.

Use these exercises to become more optimistic

Just like being sad or angry is a choice, being optimistic is a choice, one that you make multiple times every day.

Now, I don’t want to downplay how heavy things are. Whether it’s the economy, a recent job loss, the high cost of groceries, toxic politics, family trauma, or drama within your friend group, heaviness is all around us.

It affects us, some days more than others. On those days when you need a boost of optimism, these exercises can help:

Create a list of things you’re looking forward to

Take a moment to write down everything you’re looking forward to this week. It could be:

• Starting a new book
• Seeing your grandchildren this weekend
• Playing with your dogs
• Getting a massage

This is like a gratitude practice, but for things that are yet to come. I have found this is an instant mood booster!

Spend time with people who are optimistic

We all know that one person who seems to be happy all the time. Catch their optimism by talking on the phone or spending time with them.

I know people who you wouldn’t expect to be happy but they are. They choose to be kind, open-minded, and funny as part of their cancer treatment plan. 

Bring optimism to someone who needs it

Last week, I went grocery shopping. When I was standing in line to check out, I noticed that the cashier was really unhappy. Her head was tilted down. She was not making eye contact, nor was she talking to her customers.

I thought, “What can I do to add something positive to her day?” Because I don’t know her, I decided to acknowledge her. 

“How’s your day going?” I asked.

“It’s a tough one,” she said. “I really don’t want to be here at work.” 

“I feel for you,” I responded. “I wish you didn’t have to be here, either.”

She looked up at me, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for saying that.”

I didn’t try to cheer her up. Instead, I held space for her to just be.

Optimism in leadership is a choice you make every day

Every day, you can choose to smile, show kindness, and acknowledge others. 

If that’s a struggle for you or someone on your team, invest in coaching. A certified leadership coach will help you or your team member build a positive mindset and become even more effective in your role. 

As I was reminded while watching the 2026 Winter Olympics earlier this month, there’s a reason athletes surround themselves with coaches. A coach brings deep expertise to help you soar to new heights. 

This article is not intended for those who are suffering from clinical depression. If you suspect you are depressed, please consult your doctor. It won’t go away on its own.