The Leadership Practice — Jan 25, 2026 | Optimism, Energy, and Influence

Optimism is one of the most misunderstood traits in leadership.

Some hear it as positivity.
Others hear it as denial.
Some mistake it for confidence.
Others dismiss it as naïveté.

But whatever it means to you, people experience it through how you show up.

This week’s practice starts there.

The Prompt

How do you define optimism as a leader?

When pressure is present, definitions stop being theoretical.

They show up in:

• What you name

• What you dwell on

• What you move toward next

The Principle

"Energy is influence."

Your energy teaches people how to experience difficulty through how you hold the moment.

Leaders model whether forward motion is possible with their energy.

The Practice

In one challenging moment this week, pause before you respond.

Notice:

• How clearly are you naming reality?

• Where is your energy oriented: toward problems, or toward progress?

Pay attention to your emotional tone in the moment.

Try it this week.
Reflect on how your definition showed up.
Return next week.

Leadership is earned over time.

This is the practice.
Mickey Anderson
Founder, LoyaltyOps