Isn’t it amazing how adversity brings out the very best in humanity? I have recently been inspired by Patrick the Optimist http://patricktheoptimist.org/ . Patrick has Motor Neurone Disease and is successfully persuading me and thousands of others to do something optimistic every day. So often we hear fantastic stories of people overcoming adversity to do super human things.
Inspiration is not confined to human interest stories. Today’s business challenges will be a platform for new pioneers rising up to the challenges of business adversity. Whole swathes of national industries, even Governments, have rapidly taken up arms to distil solutions and find silver bullets for big, ugly challenges. The mere mention of “Sustainability”, “More for Less” or “Managing through the downturn” quickly evokes a Pavlov’s dog reaction – business leaders salivating at the thought of conquering huge issues – the bells are a-ringing.
And shortly we will find that progress in one area will inspire progress in another. A contagious swell of good feeling for saving jobs, growing the economy, getting value from assets will lift us all to new heights. New approaches to efficiency, growth, sustainability and value will raise the performance bar everywhere and we will all reap the rewards.
So there you go Patrick, I hope my optimism pleases you. And for anyone reading this, catch it and pass it on.
