Imagine I am holding a one-minute hourglass. I flip it over. The sand begins to fall.
At that moment, what do you notice?
Most bad leaders focus on the top. They look at the gap instead of the gain. They see what is leaving instead of what is growing. They let the mind drift toward what could go wrong instead of what could go right. They zero in on problems instead of progress.
That is one of the most common mistakes managers make. It crushes their ability to lead a team to greater success.
And here is the truth most leaders never hear clearly enough:
If you do not choose your optimistic voice, you automatically choose your pessimistic one.
Life is too short, and leadership is too demanding, to let your mind default toward negativity. When you choose an optimistic voice, you give people energy, belief, and a reason to keep moving forward.
However, it’s important to note that Optimism does not deny difficulty. It sees hope in the face of it. It offers a brighter future even when today feels heavy. It is the spark that helps teams push through uncertainty and stay committed to the work.
If you feel even a hint of agreement with this message, I want to ask for something simple but meaningful.
If this newsletter has encouraged you this year, it would mean a lot if you ordered a copy of my new book, The Optimistic Outlook, today. And if you lead a team, ordering a few copies to give them could make a real difference during the holiday season.
Your support matters, not just to me, but to anyone who needs a stronger, more optimistic voice in their life.
Use your gifts,
John Eades
Founder of LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure
This Week’s Poll Question
Anyone who answers this poll is entered to win a free copy of the Optimistic Outlook!
What part of optimistic leadership is hardest for you?
Last week’s results: Which group at work are you most grateful for in your leadership journey this year? (14,467 subscribers)
My team (50%)
My boss (8.5%)
My Peers or colleagues (33%)
Myself (8.5%)
The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)
The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 1200+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.
Fail Forward: Building Leaders Who Elevate Others (Podcast)
Want the promotion without the pitfall? Leadership expert John Eades joins the REality Podcast with Gary Scott to unpack how painful early failure turned a calling to help managers become leaders who elevate others. In the show, we cover:
The distinction between management and leadership
The three most important qualities that leaders must possess
Why leaders fail
How to set impossible goals for 2026
If you’re ready to replace shortcuts with standards, this conversation is your playbook. Listen to the show today!
The Teamwork Advantage (Workshop)
If your team has an offsite, strategic planning session, or quarterly kickoff coming up, now is the moment to strengthen how they work together.
One hour introduces the formula for elite teamwork.
Two hours gives time to practice with real scenarios.
Four hours equips them with repeatable systems they will use every day.
Teams that wait hope the problems go away. Teams that act build trust, alignment, and shared ownership.
Schedule your session, choose the duration that fits your agenda, and start building a true advantage. Click below to secure a date.
Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:
The Proven Approach to Help Employees Develop Leadership Skills: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.
The Personalized Mindset and Skill Shift: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more
The Engaged and Inspired Audience: There are two available dates left in 2025, and we are now booking into 2026. John’s new keynote, “The Teamwork Advantage,” has been a hit for organizations. Hit reply on this note, or check out some of our recent talks here.
