Optimism: Tulips and Turtles

Nothing demonstrates optimism more than planting bulbs on a grey and cold November day in the hopes that flowers will emerge the next spring. Readers may recall that last year my tulips never came up, and I fretted about it for a year. But they came back this year!

Optimism – even relentless optimism – is surely my superpower. I really believe that most things can be worked out with the right amount of attention, the right team, adequate resources and time. Lack of understanding of the amount of time needed to complete a project is one of the greatest frustrations people have with local government. We like to say that everything takes 18 months, which most people not intimately involved in government simply cannot fathom. The timeframe is even longer if your great idea finds support right after the adoption of a new budget. Then 18 months quickly becomes 36.

“No one wants to follow a pessimist, but they don’t want to follow a blind optimist either,” write Jacqueline Brassey and Michael Kruvt, of McKinsey & Company (Reimagining the Post-pandemic Organization, November 2020, McKinsey.com). They identify “bounded optimism” as a way for leaders to prevent losing credibility by displaying excessive confidence. “Optimism that springs from authentic values and trust in people’s capabilities can be the source of energy for everyone in the organization to move forward. By contrast, optimism without meaning or grounding may lead to disappointment and defeat.”

Displaying relentless optimism about the future, while being mindful of bounded optimism, helps us remain positive without being unrealistic. Optimism truly keeps staff – and ourselves – motivated and engaged in the work.

Earlier this month, I came home from a long day to this text from my neighbor: “I think a giant snapping turtle is laying its eggs in front of your house :)” I’m sorry, what?

According to the State of Connecticut’s website, snapping turtles lay their eggs in late May or early June – estimates of the “clutch” of eggs varies widely – from 20 – 80 eggs, only 5% of which typically survive. After covering the eggs, the mother returns to water, leaving the hatchlings to fend for themselves (they instinctively head to water after emerging 80-90 days later). I guess snapping turtles are optimists too. Also note, apparently turtles like to lay eggs in the same place, so we have that to look forward to.

How about you? What’s the most optimistic thing you have ever done? Have you seen turtles hatch?

Let’s practice being optimistic, without instilling disappointment and defeat.