Truth, Lies and Work 265. Are We in a Hope Crisis at Work? With Matt Poepsel, PhD
Jan 8, 2026
Matt Poepsel, a Marine veteran and organizational psychologist at The Predictive Index, dives into the 'hope crisis' affecting workplaces today. He emphasizes hope as a measurable skill, linked to performance and resilience. Discussing Snyder’s Hope Theory, he reveals how agency and pathways are vital for engagement. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering hope by setting clear, ambitious goals and practicing 'enlightened leadership', blending technology with human connection. Poepsel's insights can transform how teams navigate challenges in our modern, AI-driven world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Leaders: Paint The Picture With Everyone
- Leaders must create conditions for hope by "painting the picture with everyone in it" so people see their contribution.
- Explain how each role links to the goal and provide pathways rather than assuming people will infer them.
Balance Stretch Goals With Early Wins
- Set stretch goals that are ambitious but achievable and chunk them into early proof points to avoid setting teams up to fail.
- Use leader confidence, transparency and small wins to bridge perceived capability gaps.
Introduce BHAGs With Honesty And Milestones
- If you lack a track record, be authentic about uncertainty, over-index on quick wins and provide transparent pathways.
- Use guiding principles and milestones to build credibility rather than relying on charisma alone.
