Leaders Change Their World With Hope

Early in my military career, I was told: “hope is not a strategy.” During a briefing to my senior leader, I was asked a question about expected outcomes. My response included the words, “I hope.” Well, the next words I heard were hope is not a strategy.

Once I heard those words, my perception of hope shifted. As I progressed in my career, I found myself repeating that quote.

Recently, I joined John Maxwell’s Change Your World transformation initiative to become a catalyst for change. As a part of the process, we are focusing on six foundational values to lead ourselves well.

Our first critical value focuses on the impact of hope. Now, I have to be honest with you about my initial response to the topic, which was not exciting. Why? Because honestly, I did not value the power of hope.

However, as I reflected on the transformation table session on hope, I realized I needed to unlearn my understanding of the power of hope.

Jeremy Weber said, “Hope as a strategy builds trust, inspires solutions to wicked problems, and helps us learn from our failures.” Yes, hope is a powerful word; however, it is often misunderstood. Why? Because it depends on your definition of hope.

So, let’s define hope? Dictionary.com defines hope as “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best (2021).” But hope is more than believing or a feeling. It is believing and action!

Are there benefits we experience from developing hope? Absolutely! John Maxwell identifies six we can expect:

1. We are inspired to believe in ourselves and others.
2. We become optimistic about our future.
3. We become confident that we can create positive change in our world.
4. We become motivated to take positive action.
5. We find the energy to keep stay the course and keep going when things are challenging.
6. Our belief attracts other like-minded people and inspires them to join us.

As I unlearned my previous position about hope, I learned the real impact of hope. While hope is not a strategy, it is an integral component of changing your world.

“Most of the things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

– Dale Carnegie

Hope is the catalyst for change and a better future. Therefore, when we act, we can make a difference.

Are you using hope to change your world?

#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim

Want to Change Your World sharing hope? Click HERE!

Lead Confidently
Expand Influence
Achieve Significance