One of the most serious threats facing organizations is perhaps too much positive thinking. And "leaders" who surround themselves addicitve personalites of "yes" men and women, which is largely associated with hierachal leadership.
Everyone it seems believes, without question, the virtues of positive thinking and motivation. A belief in management without question or dissent. The fault lies in leadership.
With the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots in England, Phillip II of Spain informed the Pope that he was prepared to invade England and depose Elizabeth I. Phillip then, inaugurated one of the grandest programs of positive thinking in history.
Phillip was convinced that his cause was just, holy and right and that providence was on his side. So, he persuaded almost all the officers under him, including 8,000 sailors and 19,000 soldiers to his point of view. On May 29, 1588, before sailing, every man on board the 130 vessels that would take them to victory affirmed his belief in the mission.
One of the most remarkable moments in history and to think it all started with positive thinking and FIRM belief.
They lost.
Virtually every man involved, all 30,000 of them was highly motivated. But that didn’t help their cause either. A little more dissent or negative thinking, the soft voice on the back row, “hey how about this?” would have helped along with the positive thinking. Clear informed thinking could have changed history. Common sense, combined with passion makes a formidable organization in today’s wild and wacky business environment. Add skill, quality talent, and diversity of opinion then you have competitive advantage.
It is the malcontents, the negative thinkers who innovate. They ask the right questions. They steer the vision against the coral shores of benchwarming managers who speak only in terms of job security.
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