A lack of humility and a lack of courage hinder one from being a realistic optimist. I would never start or join a company or even a challenging change initiative with a team of pessimists. It is very difficult to innovate with a team led by a pessimist. If you don’t know if you are an optimist or a pessimist just ask your spouse or a close friend. If they indicate you’re a pessimist or delay in their response you should pray about becoming more optimistic. Jesus knew the heart of man but was never cynical. His optimism was based on knowing the Father. Being a realistic optimist is a further characteristic required of a leader worth following.

Scripture: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

• Leadership Worth Following