JF Guest Author Spot

Jeb Brooks

One of the reasons working with salespeople is so rewarding is that they tend to be optimists. And, if I get a choice, I’ll take an optimist over a pessimist any time. They’re more fun. Here’s why:

• An optimist believes. A pessimist doubts.
• An optimist thinks of possibility. A pessimist ponders impossibility.
• An optimist dreams of potential. A pessimist has nightmares of failure.
• An optimist hopes for improvement. A pessimist waits for setbacks.
• An optimist imagines a better tomorrow. A pessimist remembers a bad yesterday.
• An optimist visualizes what’s undeveloped. A pessimist sees pitfalls.
• An optimist takes a chance. A pessimist avoids a risk.
• An optimist likes. A pessimist dislikes.
• An optimist observes the good. A pessimist seeks the bad.
• An optimist stretches. A pessimist withdraws.
• An optimist studies the probable. A pessimist identifies the improbable.
• An optimist believes in the limitless. A pessimist sees limitation.
• An optimist laughs. A pessimist frowns.
• An optimist endeavors to attain. A pessimist works with disdain.
• An optimist praises achievements. A pessimist points out failings.
• An optimist looks up. A pessimist looks down.
• An optimist seeks improvement. A pessimist remains satisfied.
• An optimist yearns for tomorrow. A pessimist fears it.
• An optimist believes in what will be. A pessimist focuses on what was.
• An optimist can. A pessimist can’t.
• An optimist will. A pessimist won’t.
• An optimist looks for a hand up. A pessimist expects a handout.

Of course a dose of pragmatism doesn’t hurt. But overall…I want positivity. Which way do you lean?

Jeb Brooks is Executive Vice President of the The Brooks Group, one of the world’s Top Ten Sales Training Firms as ranked by Selling Power Magazine. He is a sought-after commentator on sales and sales management issues, having appeared in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal. Jeb authored the second edition of the book “Perfect Phrases for the Sales Call” and writes for The Brooks Group’s popular Sales Blog.

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