The Power of Negative Thinking

Nobody wants the responsibility of being negative. However, there are times where you have to expect the worst. Successful projects need balance, which includes things like executive sponsor engagement and team autonomy. It also includes a balance of optimism and risk awareness. Sometimes, the naysayer can be the project’s best friend.

Negativity prepares for the worst

The Olympics are an expensive and ambitious project, where a lot can go wrong. When the Winter Olympics were announced for Vancouver, at least snowy weather seemed to be a given. The Vancouver Organizing Committee wasn’t so optimistic. They planned for a lack of snow by carting it from other mountains, stockpiling man-made snow and adding wood forms and straw. Their concerns were well-founded. But by planning for the worst, the Winter Olympics had ample snow for lower altitudes.

Risk management: positive results from negative thinking

Nobody wants a pessimistic corporat