Intel co-founder Robert Noyce once said that optimism is “an essential ingredient of innovation. How else can the individual welcome change over security, adventure over staying in safe places?” Noyce and his partners started Intel in 1968, a year when the U.S economy faced the greatest crisis since the Great Depression. In addition, tumultuous events shook the foundation of American society: riots and protests, the Vietnam war, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. It was a tough year to start a business, but Noyce embraced change and built a brand that changed the world.

In a previous column I revealed the 7 secrets of inspiring leaders. Optimism is one of those ingredients and I believe it is the one essential trait that today’s leaders must exhibit. Here are five reasons why optimists make better leaders.

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