The book “Confidence” by Rosabeth Moss Kanter is about winning streaks and losing streaks. The big idea of the book is that winning creates more winning, and losing creates more losing.

The reason? Winning creates optimistic expectations that more winning is possible. When players and coaches (or employees and managers) believe that more winning is possible, they work harder and take more initiative, and that creates more winning. Also, it’s easier to recruit great players and get support from investors when you’re winning, and hence more winning follows.

The same things happen in reverse with losing streaks.

One application: Don’t lose twice in a row.

Broader application: Create a culture of confidence where team members feel a shared sense of winning.

If you’re in a losing streak: Actions speak louder than words. Create visible evidence of a turnaround that your team can see and believe in.