To Hope and To Hop: A Leader's Perspective By Christi O. Brown (Inspired by a Hoptimist)

I recently heard that the Swedish word for hope includes the idea of hopping or jumping. I absolutely love the idea of intertwining the two.  In the realm of leadership, the concepts of "hope" and “hopping" are not opposing forces, but rather two interdependent components of effective action.  And in coaching, it’s all about turning goals into action!  

Hope is far more than a passive wish for a positive outcome in the leadership context. It is a strategic and psychological foundation built on a clear, compelling vision for the future, a defined pathway to achieve it, and the unwavering belief that one's actions can make a difference. A leader who cultivates hope provides their team with a powerful motivational engine—one which inspires them to be resilient in the face of adversity and to stay committed to a shared purpose. It is the groundwork that prepares an organization for change, ensuring that a team is not just reacting to circumstances, but actively and confidently moving towards a better tomorrow. 

However, hope alone is not sufficient. It is merely the potential energy waiting to be released. This is where "hopping" comes in—the bold, decisive action that transforms a hopeful vision into tangible reality. A leader must have the courage to take a leap of faith, whether it's launching a new initiative, pivoting strategy, or entering an unknown market. This "hop" is not a blind gamble; it is a calculated risk taken with the conviction that the groundwork of hope has prepared the team for success. Without the willingness to hop or jump, a leader's hope remains a theory, a beautiful idea that never manifests. The team, having been inspired by the vision, will ultimately lose faith in a leader who is too cautious to take the necessary steps.

The art of great leadership lies in the seamless integration of these two concepts. A successful leader understands that hope precedes the hop. These leaders invest time in building a collective sense of purpose and a clear understanding of the path ahead, so that when the moment to "hop" arrives, it feels less like a perilous leap and more like a logical and exhilarating step forward. By fostering a culture of hope, leaders empower their teams to not only survive change but to thrive in it, embracing the hop with a sense of agency and optimism. 

The relationship between hoping and hopping is therefore a cycle: hope inspires the hop, and a successful hop reinforces the hope, creating a positive feedback loop that drives continuous growth and success. As a reminder of this concept, I recently picked up this fantastic, whimsical Danish piece called “The Hoptimist.”  It sits right next to my clients’ coaching chair, radiating hope, happiness and optimism.  And the added bonus is it actually hops!  

Here’s to your upcoming leadership being full of hope, hopping and hoptimism!