Turning Vision into Momentum at Work
Hope isn’t wishful thinking — it’s a proven performance driver. When people believe tomorrow can be better and that they can influence the outcome, engagement and results rise.
At Inspired Engagement, we see hope as the quiet engine behind motivation. It helps teams navigate uncertainty, persist through obstacles, and find new pathways when plans change.
Why Hope Matters at Work
Research from psychologist C. R. Snyder and Gallup shows that hope correlates with productivity, satisfaction, and well-being. Employees high in hope set clearer goals, create alternative routes when blocked, and sustain the energy to pursue them. Organizations that nurture hope enjoy stronger cultures of resilience and optimism.
What Hope Is Made Of
Snyder’s model defines hope as:
Hope = Agency + Pathways
- Agency: Belief that “I can influence what happens.”
- Pathways: The ability to see multiple routes to the goal.
When both are present, teams move from frustration to forward motion. When one is missing, leaders can help restore balance — building agency through recognition and coaching and expanding pathways through collaboration and creativity.
How Leaders Build Hope
- Communicate a vision. Create clarity; a vivid, compelling vision of a better future
- Connect work to purpose. Show how daily efforts link to meaningful outcomes.
- Celebrate progress. Recognize small wins to reinforce agency.
- Ask hopeful questions. “What else could work?” or “What’s within our control?”
- Encourage pathway thinking. Brainstorm multiple approaches before choosing one.
- Model resilience. Optimism from leaders is contagious
Five Team Practices That Increase Hope
- Clarify goals — vague goals kill momentum.
- Empower choice — allow autonomy in methods.
- Promote learning from setbacks.
- Highlight strengths and collaboration.
- Share success stories that illustrate perseverance.
Facilitator Tip
Use 10 minutes in your next team meeting to ask:
- “What are we excited about right now?”
- “Where do we feel stuck?”
- “What new pathway can we create?”
Recording these answers sparks shared ownership of progress.
Take Action
To measure hope in your team and guide them in defining goals, mapping pathways, and strengthening agency, download the ‘Hope Worksheet for you and your team. Download Worksheet
If you’d like help bringing hope to life in your organization, schedule a consultation with Scott Geddis.
