Let’s consider some of the advantages and inconveniences to be optimist or pessimist.

The optimist is contagious, demonstrates trust in himself and others, generates the desire to move, to progress things, gives energy and incites us to look for solutions and opportunities, rather than problems. However, optimism can lead to excess confidence and even to under estimate obstacles. It also lends to painting things under a too much favorable eye.

The pessimist survives (according to Jack Welch: « Only the Paranoid survive »). He is attentive to potential risks and always ready to face problems. However he may be paralyzed by his analysis of the situation. He portrays a negative image of himself and his project and could repulse even the best wills (nobody likes coming to see a gloomy face). He may also may overspend to cover perceived risks.

In practice, isn’t it the combination of both facets, optimism and pessimism, that is necessary to the project manager if he/she succeeds in accumulating the key points of both attitudes while avoiding weaknesses?