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Flex the Right Muscle for Communication Success

By Bonnie Budzowski
President, InCredible Messages, LP

The difference between an optimist and a pessimist is as follows: A pessimist is someone who has exercised the muscles of negativity until they are strongly habitual, while an optimist is a person who has developed thankfulness and a can-do attitude until these are second nature.
                                M.J. Ryan, Attitudes of Grattitude, adapted

According to Daniel Goleman and co-authors Boyatzis and McKee, leaders who have the ability to express enthusiasm and upbeat emotions attract other people. In fact, people want to work for such leaders—for the sheer pleasure of toiling in their presence!

In their book, Primal Leadership, these authors put it this way: “Research has proven it: Optimistic, enthusiastic leaders more easily retain their people, compared with those bosses who tend toward negative moods.” If communicating optimism is important in hierarchical situations (with bosses), it is essential in situations where we lead in peer-directed task groups or volunteer associations.

Enthusiasm might seem the realm of extraverts. Optimism and appreciation, on the other hand, can be expressed in ways to match any temperament. For example, effective leaders describe challenges rather than problems. They focus on what can be done as opposed to what can’t be done. Effective leaders find humor in mishaps and bring laughter to work. Such leaders express gratitude privately, publicly, and in writing.

Communicating optimism or pessimism is a matter of flexing a conditioned muscle. Where does your strength lie?

Permission is granted to reprint this article when the following contact information is included: © 2010 by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. For more free articles, go to www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com.

Bonnie Budzowski, President of inCredible Messages, is a recognized expert—helping people to use influence and persuasion to sell their ideas and move business forward. Bonnie is a professional speaker, author and coach. She recently launched a new coaching project to help her clients "Write the Book of Their Dreams."

Clients appreciate Bonnie’s practical, humorous and high-energy approach. She holds an MA in Communication and has been called upon to work with corporations, entrepreneurs, universities, and associations.

If you’d like to sell your ideas, boost your influence, or advance your career through a book or presentation, call Bonnie at 412-828-1629, bonnie@inCredibleMessages.com or visit her website at www.inCredibleMessages.com. 

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