Making a case for optimism in business
What if the new cool in business is to be optimistic and joyful? Here's what Yoyo the Assistance Dog has been teaching me about the power of optimism on productivity.
As I write, there is a snoozing white and yellow puppy watching me from the doorway. Her name is Yoyo, and she’s an Assistance Dog in training from Assistance Dogs Australia. After two years of specialist training, she’s talking a wee break with my family before she goes off to support someone with PTSD.
I can only accurately describe Yoyo as “sunshine with a tail”. Every morning, she wiggles with joy as she sees me wake. She leaps at the opportunity to stay close and snuggle. She runs after the ball as if she’s skipping through a field of daisies. And pretty much anything and everything you can think of that dogs like, she loves with joy-filled intensity.
But it’s not only this unbridled joy and optimism that defines her as amazing. It’s what she does with it that matters, too.
This is a highly trained dog that knows how to unload your dryer, pay for your lunch at a café, and be someone’s best ally physically and emotionally. And yet, what she most uses throughout the day is her optimism to make things better. Yoyo’s belief that something fun is just around the corner, going anywhere is an adventure, and tomorrow is another day makes her the best damn tonic anyone, PTSD or not, will probably ever have.
But I am not only telling you this to highlight Yoyo, her big destiny and the much needed programs of Assistance Dogs Australia. I am telling you because we all need more optimism in business.
Joy and optimism is the power we need
We live in a world where vulnerability is sometimes viewed as a weakness. To believe in something is to be viewed as too naïve. To be cynical and sarcastic is the benchmark for wise.
But there is so much courage in looking forward to life and work, and dreams of simple pleasures. Or moving the challenge needle towards the intrinsic values we hold dear. And there’s so much more to be enamoured with when hanging out with a super pup whose only idea of a day well done is to make it fun and engaging.
While the news articles sneer about going woke and going broke (said a lot about the recent World Pride celebrations, for example, despite them earning an estimated $112 million in additional tourism for Sydney), we know the opposite is true. Innovation, change and growth reshapes and defines economies. Our ability to create new ideas that delight people, make their lives easier and connect them with community and translates into financial returns, the companies of the future, and social good.
In Australia, we’re currently reinventing aged care to focus on person-centred care, values and goal creation because we know it’s not only better for the clients and the workers, it is better for a sustainable bottom line to meet the needs of the Boomer generation. We know that companies that invest in mental health training and investigate flexibility in the workplace create stronger workforces with greater retention, lower recruitment costs, and mentally healthy workplaces that people like to champion. And that for every dollar spent, there is an estimated $2.30 in ROI.
The Australian freelancing and self-employment industry has grown through the power of optimism by 7.2% in the last decade. It will continue to do as more people decide to create jobs that allow for happier, optimistic outlooks through offering choices. Whether that’s better management of disabilities and family life through remote work, new lives and reduced economic pressure through sea and tree changes, more time to work on innovation or creative pursuits, or to study, travel or choose life in tandem, instead of or in detriment to, a working identity.
Humans love to sound big, scary, and tough. We adore being the wisecracking action hero of our lives. But we’re also giant marshmallows who believe in each other, the power of community, and the belief in what we can do.
Isn’t it time we stopped asking people to pull on resilience and put joy and optimism at the front of the arsenal instead?
While you ponder the impact of joy and optimism on your working life, ask yourself:
1. Are people happy to work here? Is it shown in how engaged, loyal, and inspired they feel? Do freelancers want to continue to work for us?
2. Even if we have hierarchy, are we brave enough to hear optimistic, inspired voices at all levels of the company structure?
3. Are we inclusive and diverse in such a way that people feel safe, welcome and supported, no matter their cultural background, sexuality, age, or disability?
4. Are we encouraging flexibility and autonomy beyond hybrid working options, parental leave, or leadership programs and projects?
5. Is our marketing and communications brave enough to challenge the cynicism and sarcasm that reigns supreme?
6. Are our managers engaged in active listening, collaboration, and acting in a way that promotes open dialogue about mistakes and failure?
7. How do our policies support vulnerable people?
Optimism is a powerful force. We’re attracted to it. And it’s about time it had its day in the sun.
If you want to add more optimism and joy into your company’s approach to communication, get in touch.