Why Optimistic Leaders Get Better Results

Can optimism make you a better leader? Psychologist and researcher Michelle Gielan says yes—but not by ignoring problems or pretending everything will work out. In this episode of HBR IdeaCast, Gielan explains why resilient optimism—the ability to acknowledge difficult realities while believing your actions can make a difference—is a powerful driver of individual and team performance. Drawing on 11 years of research involving more than 25,000 business professionals, she shares evidence linking optimism to higher productivity, stronger sales, greater engagement, and lower burnout. Gielan also discusses how leaders can cultivate a more optimistic mindset, reframe stress, and help teams focus on solutions rather than getting stuck on problems. Plus, she shares practical techniques for building momentum, including how to start meetings with a “power lead,” recognize small wins, and create a culture where people speak up about progress and possibility. Gielan is author of Resilient Optimism: The Science of Sustaining a Positive Mindset in Tough Times (https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Optimism-Science-Sustaining-Positive/dp/B0GD61J2KJ/) and the HBR article “How Leaders Counter Pessimism in Trying Times“ (https://hbr.org/2026/11/how-leaders-counter-pessimism-in-trying-times). Books, tools, and more: store.hbr.org Follow us: https://hbr.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review/ https://www.facebook.com/HBR/ https://twitter.com/HarvardBiz https://www.instagram.com/harvard_business_review Sign up for Newsletters: https://hbr.org/email-newsletters #HarvardBusinessReview #YourCareer #Career #Job #Work #Business #Harvard #HarvardBusinessSchool Copyright © 2026 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved.