3 ways pessimism is a PR asset
In an industry that tends to focus on the positive, there should be a healthy dose of negativity, this author says.
In our culture, pessimism is a state of mind where one anticipates negative outcomes. We often classify individuals as either optimistic or pessimistic based on the age-old question, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” We classify those who answer “half empty” as pessimists. They focus on the negative and what’s likely to go wrong.
Despite pessimism’s stigma, can it be an undervalued asset and valuable tool in PR?
As the MIT post suggests, pessimistic thinking presents distinct advantages: the ability to proactively recognize and avoid future problems, stave off passiveness, and quell overconfidence.
In a society that favors positive temperaments, can pessimism help us be more discerning and cautious about the future to help colleagues and C-level executives be more perceptive and realistic?
As the voice—and often face—of our companies and clients, it almost seems counterintuitive to be pessimistic, especially in an environment and culture that expects and thrives off optimism.
How can pessimism be an asset to a PR pro? Here are three ways:
1. Pragmatism
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