Voice of RB First Women: “Don’t be a naysayer”

Dictionary definition:

“Will have done” or “being going to have done”

My definition:

“I am definitely going to get it done”

Del Boy definition:

“Next year Rodney we will be millionaires”

I rarely have a contingent plan as I never assume my first plan will fail, though very often of course it does (goodness knows why I am surprised).

So the future is only sometimes perfect, but to this I would say: What’s perfect and what’s the future? So much is in the eye of the beholder, a bit like beauty.

Since 2008, most business crystal balls clouded over and it’s all been a bit of a guessing game as to what may, or may not happen in the economy. Indeed, when something does happen, it possibly wasn’t on your radar anyway and so any reaction you may have can be a bit back footed.

2015 though seems a little more stable. We are going into the New Year with a strong order book and a blossoming team full of eagerness and keen to deliver. I feel possibly buoyant (is that allowed!) and am sure that next year will be great. 

Does this do any harm? Me thinks not! It certainly does less harm than being a doomsday merchant that so many people I meet almost seem to be. Such behaviour, particularly when started at the top of an organisation, causes nothing but negativity in the troops. As a result if things aren’t going according to plan this self-fulfilling prophesy of doom won’t make things better, that’s for sure.

Staying positive can be difficult without a doubt but the results speak for themselves. So next time you want to be the naysayer, take a breath and think positive thoughts and you may be surprised at the effect.

Jo Haigh is head of FDS corporate finance services and the author of ‘The Keys to the Boardroom – How to Get There and How to Stay There’. 

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