The Strategic Power of Hope at Work

When you’re hopeful it isn’t enough to simply be positive about the future and think good thoughts.

It requires you to get working toward to future you want to sure up.

Two elements that are essential:

• Willpower - a desire to bring about hoped for outcomes.
• Waypower - charting a clear path to achieve our intentions. Creating a plan of action.

“Because hopeful people make plans for and work toward the future they want, they’re more effective than optimists.”

Hopeful individuals in the workplace work hard, think broadly, and experience higher levels of well-being and positive morale at work. 

In a 2024 study, workers who felt supported — especially by their supervisors — experienced greater waypower. They were more likely to find a way through challenges at work, and to help their colleagues. 

• Set Goals Grounded in Shared Values

Hope requires a goal, so at the organizational level, hope requires shared goals. Leaders can focus on values and the organization's mission to remind the team what they're working towards. 

• Find Ways to Empower Your People

People feel more hopeful when they feel a sense of control and autonomy. "Hope blooms only when people feel agency over their future." Think about how you can delegate important tasks to empower team members and loosen the managerial reins. 

• Celebrate Progress

Hope can build on itself. Pay attention to progress and celebrate it!