By Victor Perton, APS Academy
“Our findings suggest that evidence-based approaches to cultivate optimism may help enhance happiness and well-being in veterans, including those with MDD.”
Professor Robb Pietrzak, Yale University
That's what Yale and PTSD expert Professor Robb Pietrzak told me while sharing the findings of the study "Happiness among U.S. Veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study."
If it's good enough for veterans with mental health challenges, it's probably good enough for us.
In a world overwhelmed by crises, constant emergencies, and 24/7 negative news, optimism emerges as a transformative force in public service leadership. Far from being just a personal disposition, optimism is a leadership superpower. It fosters better strategy, innovation, resilience, and productivity.
Research links optimism to significant health benefits and stronger connections, enabling leaders to build on strengths and amplify the potential of people, teams, and systems to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
The International and Domestic Politics of Optimism
Optimism isn't just a personal or organisational virtue - it's a global and national imperative. At the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), leaders committed to "restore hope and optimism in our common future." This commitment reflects a collective recognition of the fall in youth optimism and the importance of optimism in tackling global challenges like climate change and inequality.\
“We have entered an era without precedent, certainly not in living memory, and it has led to a loss of optimism almost across the world."
Singapore's President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam
He highlighted the need for optimism to address pressing issues, particularly climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
The OECD has emphasised the importance of youth optimism, linking it to life satisfaction, resilience, and mental health. They stress that fostering hope among young people is essential for building innovative societies equipped to confront future challenges.
Australia's executive leadership has also embraced optimism:
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: At the start of his term, Albanese declared, "I want a country where hope and optimism are the major emotions projected from our national government to the Australian people."
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers: In his essay "Capitalism after the Crises," Chalmers wrote, "Renewal is one reason for optimism." He also challenges us, saying, "There are lots of reasons to be cautious and not complacent, but lots of reasons to be confident and optimistic for 2025."
- Governor-General Sam Mostyn: At her swearing-in, Mostyn said the Prime Minister sought "a modern, optimistic Governor-General, capable of uniting and celebrating the very best of Australia." She committed to being "an optimistic, modern and visible Governor-General, dedicated to the service and contribution that all Australians expect and deserve."
Resilience Relies on Optimism
We often speak of resilience—of persistence in the face of adversity. Yet resilience is reliant on optimism. Why persist if you don't believe persistence will lead to a better outcome? Optimism gives us the fuel to keep going, the confidence to see a brighter horizon, and the belief that our efforts today will pay off tomorrow. Without optimism, resilience falters, and the motivation to overcome challenges diminishes.
Resilience is indispensable in public service and leadership, and fostering optimism is the key to building and sustaining it. Optimistic leaders inspire others to persevere, even in difficult times, by showing that better outcomes are possible and likely.
Magnetic Optimism: Infectious and Investible
One of the most impactful traits of optimistic leaders is their ability to inspire others. My master classes focus on my concept of "magnetic optimism"—"an optimism so tangible with a vision so compelling that people want to reach out and touch it." This kind of optimism doesn't just spread; it pulls people in, energising them with confidence and purpose.
Practical Tips for Public Service Leaders
Our Habits of Optimism practices blossomed in public service during the COVID lockdowns. Here are some key practices that continue to bring value:
Ask Joyful Questions: Add this to your meeting agenda every now and then: "What has brought you joy, and what makes you optimistic?"
Just before Christmas, I met with a deputy secretary who was about to assemble her leadership team. I suggested she start the meeting by asking these questions. Later, she told me, "The joy and optimism approach at the group planning session was very successful – the simple words brought a positive vibe and smiles to faces."
Recently, I was given half an hour to deliver a speech at the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). Instead, I asked the audience to share their joy and optimism. It was inspiring to see the energy and connections this created.
Try this for a few days: Stop asking, "How are you?" and replace it with, "What's been the best thing in your day?" This small change sparks meaningful conversations and shifts focus to positive reflection.
Smile More and Laugh More: A smile or a laugh can lighten the mood and create a positive atmosphere.
My Best Self-Exercise: Take half an hour every few months to meditate on a day five years into the future. Imagine where you want to be, then write a journal entry as though it's that day. Afterwards, take a walk to reflect on your vision and anchor it in your mind. It can also be an enjoyable group exercise.
Explore Your Optimism Superpower: Ask yourself and your team, "What is your optimism superpower?" Recognising this unique strength inspires confidence and self-belief.
Gratitude in Action: The easiest way to practise gratitude is to say thank you more often. A gratitude journal, where you jot down what you're thankful for daily, can be transformative—especially when re-reading first thing in the morning. And don't underestimate the power of a simple thank you, delivered face-to-face or via a heartfelt message.
Conclusion: Optimism as a Force for Public Good
Public service is demanding and complex and has a profound impact and purpose. By embracing optimism, leaders can build on strengths, foster innovation, and create a culture of resilience and hope. As research confirms, optimism is not merely a personal virtue but a transformative tool that can shape better outcomes at every level—individual, organisational, and societal.
Sometimes, leadership begins with the smallest gestures. I occasionally graffiti mirrors in bathrooms with the phrase, "The Leader Looks Like the Person in this Mirror." It's a simple, empowering reminder that leadership starts with us—and optimism is its foundation.
