What’s the Antidote to Cynicism?

We all want to go big and push hard and reach the super bowl of our dreams, don’t we?

Envisioning the future is a good thing! But when you’re collaborating with others and not communicating the vision, you’re setting up your team and your dream for disappointment leading to cynicism.

What’s the antidote?

A cynical culture begins to shift when we are truthful, trusting, and together reaching, collaborating, and celebrating our clearly stated desired outcomes. It begins with authenticity and hope.

When the leader walks out of a meeting, she should feel content, excited, stretched, and engaged. We should all know what expectations have been spoken out into the room and vetted when the team walks out feeling the same way.

As we grow in our emotional intelligence and vulnerability, we will have the confidence to speak what we want, to accept what is realistic, and push back against the status quo for the greatness of the desired result.

So today, take some time to examine your life in all areas and see where you have that culture of cynicism creeping in – squelching your desires and dreams. By the way, you will never realize your dreams if you don’t let the fear of disappointment go. Go to the vulnerable part of you and commit to let yourself feel and desire again. It will require changing your story and trusting yourself and others again.

I would love to hear your thoughts on more ways to become alert to unspoken expectations and to overcome cynicism!

Your Coach,
 

This article previously appeared at True Life Coaching, a subsidiary of Shandel Group. If you enjoyed this post, read Shandel's book, Clarity: Focusing on What Matters.