2 lessons in optimism and leadership from Obama

A Monday Washington Post article discusses what appears to be a good news front moving in: cases of swine flu are diminishing and several economic indicators are shuffling in the direction of "up." Along with these changes, there's a dramatic shift in optimism, much of it centered around the president.

So has one man really made a difference? In a way, yes. Optimism and confidence are contagious. And once people are confident, they are in a better position to help themselves.

Every optimist already knows that optimism is contagious, see Ode's April editorial for Jurriaan Kamp's wisdom on the topic. And a Psychology Today article, analyzing the performance of college basketball teams, notes that one key player with the right mindset can spread confidence to an entire team. In this case, one key president has inspired confidence in a nation.

And you don't have to be president to effect change. You can be that key player for your company, for your local community, for your family. Just take a couple of pointers from our esteemed president.

1. Don't ignore problems, but don't over emphasize their impact. Since before his inaugural speech, Obama has been saying we have problems, but we can over come them. The fear of a problem or a crisis is a much bigger barrier to success than the obstacle itself. In the words of FDR, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Or if you're a Frank Herbert fan, "Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death." Fear, not crisis, is what sets people up for failure because it stops them in their tracks.
2. Focus your efforts on positive change and keep an eye out for new possibilities. Once you realize that you will survive whatever crises seem to be circling, you are free to find ways to "convert retreat into advance." As president, Obama has used technology in new ways to create transparency. This gives his presidency a very different tenor and allows quicker feedback than if he had approached the presidency without innovation. His willingness to reach out to Americans via web cast forums, twitter and other media helps Americans understand the plan for economic recovery and gives them the confidence that we're seeing in the polls - and in the housing markets as well, now.

For the Washington Post article, including my favorite Obama quote ever, click here. Photo by Bill O'leary of the Washington Post.