Hope or Doubt? – A Baker’s Dozen To Consider

The holiday frenzy has begun. So many people are trying so hard - to do so much.  They are shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, helping the less fortunate, connecting with others, and trying to celebrate. One constant I hear and see from many is a feeling of both hope and doubt.

Have you heard any of these lately?

• “I hope I can make the event - but I doubt it. There is so much to do.”
  
• “I hope they like their gift - but I doubt it. They always find fault.”
• “I hope I see them this holiday - but I doubt it. We have lost touch.”

HOPE instills confidence in the future.  It changes our attitude and outlook.  HOPE energizes and strengthens us to ‘push through’ challenges as well as handle disappointments.  Doubt on the other hand can create uncertainty, confusion, and a feeling of defeat or why bother.   

I hope you will consider this simple “HOPE Assessment.”   In your organization, are most employees more hopeful or doubtful things will happen this coming year?  Answer each question below with one of these two simple, but powerful responses.

As 2016 approaches, in our organization, most employees are ‘Hopeful’ or ‘Doubtful’ that:

1. Their individual future with the company is bright?
   
2. The company’s values will direct daily behaviors?
3. Blame and shame will not be used to drive accountability?
   
4. If tough choices must be made, then ALL will make some type of sacrifice?
5. They will work in a ‘safe’ place – that protects both their physical and emotional health?
6. Communication will be more two-way than one-way?
7. The company will invest in their personal growth and development?
8. Their hard work and effort will be recognized?
9. There will be equity in how rewards are shared?
10. Differences of opinion will be effectively handled?
11. Decision-making will be shared with them?
12. Their thoughts and ideas will be actively asked for and used?
13. Actions will reinforce a genuine interest in them as individuals?

Based on your assessment, how confident are you that most employees will give their full commitment, effort, and loyalty to the company’s success?  Are you more hopeful or doubtful?

How employees feel impacts how they act.  How they act impacts perceptions and results. If organizations truly want employees heads (creative ideas), hearts (commitment), hands (physical work), and habits (consistent behaviors) then providing HOPE is a critical ingredient year round.  Without HOPE, the possible looks impossible and we forget ‘why’ we do things.  Sometimes accepting simplicity is hard!