January 23

Respond with HOPE, Not Fear

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One of my children shared they made a disappointing grade on a recent exam. What’s the usual response of a parent?

While at the airport last week, I sat next to a technology salesperson on their phone explaining to their boss they weren’t going to hit their sales goal. What’s the usual response of a CEO?

The usual response is operating out of fear which is selfish, because you’re thinking about how the news impacts you – your money, image, time, and desires.

Instead, respond unusually and operate out of hope, not fear. For example, what if you acted in either of these situations with gratitude? What if you responded that you are grateful for their effort and good communication? Secondly, what if you acted with urgency? It’s defined as urging them to be excellent in every thought, action and interaction, and that’s all you could hope for from them. You’re not lowering the bar, you’re raising it.

You know your usual results. Respond unusually and operate out of hope for a different result.

About the author 

Darren Smith

Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.


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