What I found to be really fascinating was the research study of optimists vs. pessimists. When the pessimists were given instructions about throwing darts, their instructions included the difficulties of the game, and the worst-case-scenario information. When optimists were given instructions, they were told how to stay calm, focused, and confident about hitting the target. Each group did well in the dart game. However, what was interesting, was that the instructions were switched. Meaning, the "staying calm and confident" instructions were given to the pessimists and the "difficulties and challenges" instructions were given to the optimists. Guess what? Their scores came down. What is the meaning? Perhaps that people process information the way they tend to view the world. Pessimists need to know the risks involved so they can process information before they make good decisions. Possibly that optimists need to see the bright side of things and opportunities before they can give their best. It's maybe not so much how we come across to others, optimistic or pessimistic, but how we take the information and use it in the best possible way. A good way to take charge of our lives.
The show was on Thursday evening, 9 pm, CST. If you get a chance, it's worth the watch (and I don't even watch television!)
Did you happen to catch any reference to the authors to that study?
ReplyDeleteI was struck by the idea since it shows up so strongly in the corporate world. It seems that that the the poor 'Quality' sap who is trying to build systems to avoid failure is destine to piss off the leaders since the pessimistic view only detracts from the allure of the leaders' "pied-piper" song of optimism.
Interesting observation, Jay. I put up a new post with some names of researchers, but I did not catch the name of the doctor who Fox did the tests for. I'll post if I find out. Thanks for your comment! Interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteJanice