Segment 11 (2022) Sustain Hope in the Face of Struggle

[Paul Terlemezian]

We have heard that "hope" is not a strategy and that "optimism" may be insufficient.

• What might we learn from the Stockdale Paradox?
• What is authentic hope?
• What is the relationship between vulnerability and hope?
• What if the struggle outlives you (or the fiscal measurement period, or your employment?)
• What other aspect of "Sustain Hope in the Face of Struggle" are you curious about?

Humorists:

• Yoann Bourgeois
• Karyn Buxman

Panelists:

• Erick Allen
• JoAnn Labbie
• Robert Pittman
• Carlos Quintero
• Dr. J. Nathan Rogers http://ifivealliances.ning.com/group/unstructured-the-power-of-info...

Moderators:

• Steve Cory
• Bill Crose

"Remarkable" Speakers/Listeners:

• Takiyah Gross-Foote
• Darryl Johnson

[Paul Terlemezian]

From the Authors of "Learning as a Way of Leading:

Hope

"...authentic hope...critically tempered...realistic about the dangers....committed to its perpetuation."

[Steve Cory]

What an interesting topic.  Sustaining hope in the face of struggle.  It could apply to any part of our lives - facing a deadly disease; losing a sale with a strategic client; watching one’s business failing towards bankruptcy?  All ‘negative’ struggles.  But what about a struggle you are close to overcoming and winning?  Do you have less hope?  Looking forward to your thoughts on this….    Steve

[Paul Terlemezian]

Thank you Steve - terrific questions - it looks like Yoann might be thinking with you!

[Dr. J. Nathan Rogers]

Steve, I agree this is a very interesting topic, one that really  resonates with my current federal consulting client. In a situational snapshot, the client organization’s leadership understands the critical needs for a training program for its field folks, yet the key players on the organization who are steeped in a culture of “we will get to it when we get to it” that competes with the “let’s get this done” consultant mentality puts a project and its timeliness and project success at risk. The question becomes what do we do with our authentic hope to not only sustain it, but turn it into success?

Nathan

[Steve Cory]

Interesting perspective Nathan.  My old employer, a Fortune 75 company, was always very cautious about not deploying too many initiatives and training programs at any one time for fear it would overwhelm the field.  The approval (ranking) process made sure only the most important and ‘critical’ projects were actually deployed.

[JoAnn Labbie]

Jonathan Sacks says,

“Optimism is the belief that things will be better. Hope is the faith that, together, we can make things better. Optimism is a passive virtue; hope, an active one."

Hope is belief in action.

[Dr. J. Nathan Rogers]

JoAnn, a clear distintion between the two definitions you make, I'm looking forward to more of you input around the active role of hope, and pherhaps how you envision it.

Nathan 

[Carlos Quintero]

Hello Georgia Learns!

Today’s disruptions have been challenging for many.  My sense is that we as leaders need to do all we can do to impact the hearts and minds of those we work with.  I am intrigued by the idea of how to influence and sustain hope by getting serious around three ideas: Empathy, Kindness, and Gratitude.  What are your thoughts about getting serious around Empathy, Kindness and Gratitude?

[Dr. J. Nathan Rogers]

Carlos, that is a really interesting point to which I agree, but here is what I wonder. Where is, or should we look for leadership positionally within the organization? Does that leadership have to come from the top, or can i we find leadership at any level of the organization? If we can find that type of leadership anywhere within the organization to "impact the hears and minds of those we work with," how to we exploit for success for the betterment of the entire organization?

[Carlos Quintero]

Leadership generally does begin at the top as those leaders set the tone, the expectations, and the standards.  That said, true leader power comes when each person takes ownership, and believes in the meaning and purpose of the organization.  What do you think needs to happen to focus on empathy, kindness and gratitude as part of the leadership journey?

[Paul Terlemezian]

Carlos - wonderful question. I think that all of us are leaders of ourselves and all of us will benefit from getting serious about Empathy, Kindness, and Gratitude towards:

• Those who follow us
• Those who lead us
• Those beside us
• Ourselves

Who did I miss?

[Carlos Quintero]

Who did I miss?

Those we love

Those who love us