Lead With Possibility Thinking
Universally acknowledged as one of the world’s wisest leaders, King Solomon, applied leadership principles that are as relevant and powerful today as they were in his own time. This article examines the importance of leading with possibility thinking to inspire, encourage and motivate everybody around us.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “ The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.”
Wise leaders are possibility thinkers. They look for opportunities for development, where others are talking about problems.
The aim of wise leaders is to develop the accepted facts so they can create the new, better, or greater “something” that will endure over their lifetime and well beyond.
With the big picture of the desired situation in mind, leaders seek a perspective that stimulates new ways of thinking and viewing. This releases energy into planning programs and activities for moving ahead.
In the same way, wise leaders support their team in the direction of their envisioned positive future. They impart their vision complete with attractive opportunities for team members to create and contribute to greater value for customers, employees and stakeholders. Not only do they inspire the team, but they also support each individual so all team members are lined up and happily pulling in the same direction.
Solomon advises, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
Our thoughts are powerful resource in creating what we want – or don’t want. They direct our actions and shape our lives and futures.
Whatever we dwell upon and think about grows and expands in our individual lives. Our thoughts are like seeds in a garden. What we plant today will grow tomorrow. If we plant roses, we reap roses. If we plant weeds, we will reap weeds.
When we are focusing our thoughts toward a positive future we become more full of energy, self-confidence and joy. Each situation we face becomes a positive one when we decide to see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop toward the achievement of our deepest dreams.
As Solomon noted, “The wicked man’s fears will all come true, and so will the good man’s hopes.”
When we focus on the possibility of success, we will act decisively and with optimism. We realize – that is we make real – that which we see within us. If we are seeing success, we will certainly move in that direction.
All things are created twice: First inside, in our thinking, and then outside, in our doing. We are creating first mentally what we then physically implement, step-by-step, in our development process.
When we grow in possibility thinking, we are moving ourselves towards what we want. The opposite is problem thinking that concentrates on what is not working or is wrong.
A possibility thinker moves the question from “What it is that is not working?” To “What do we need to do to make it work?”
A wise leader strengthens the group by encouraging members to focus on the positive side of every situation and to see each other as resources for their development and success.
Solomon advises, “Only a simpleton believes what he is told! A prudent man checks to see where he is going.”
Thinking positively of the future is not the same as being naive.
Even if wise leaders are optimistic and recognize the positive about the future, they understand that setbacks, difficulties and suffering will come. It is a natural part of life and entrepreneurship that strengthen the passion and the purpose.
Solomon tells us, “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
To become a wiser leader:
- See the future as a possibility and an asset.
- Constantly look for opportunities for development.
- Focus your thoughts on what you want to achieve.
- Be aware that you are creating that which you expect – so expect what you want!
- Believe in yourself and your capacity.
- Look at other people as an abundant resource for development and success.
- Recognize that it is your choices, decisions, and actions, not your circumstances that determine how the future will be.
- Look for that which is good and constructive in all situations.
- Embrace humor and laugh at yourself and your situation now and then.
- Regularly exercise and [save energy?] in a playful way.
I encourage you to reflect and act on the following questions as seeds for your own self-exploration and development:
- Do you see yourself as an optimist or a pessimist?
- Do you focus your thoughts on what you want to see happen in the future?
- Is your attitude strong and positive? Is it hesitant or negative?
Determine the attitude that can best help you the rest of the day. Create a picture of that inside you. Can you see how you radiate a positive attitude and well-being as the picture clarifies and solidifies?
What would happen if you made up your mind to help to raise other people’s spirits and attitudes? Make a decision to do that at this moment. Remember, what you give out you will receive. - If you are in a leadership position, reflect on how you can help your team to more clearly see the positive value that each member of team is contributing to the team’s overall success. For example, start your next meeting with your team by asking everyone to share 2-3 things that he or she is most proud of having accomplished since the last time you met?
