It does not matter how optimistic and inspiring the messages, talks, quotes, speeches and presentations from various inspirational speakers and a variety motivational speakers might be, a positive mindset standing alone can't be an alternative for hard work, superior performance, implementation and execution. Positive thinking in the workplace and wonderful attitudes in the absence of relevant well-honed skills is unfortunately daydreaming and loaded with the hazards of disappointment and ultimately bad business results. Daydreamers might be inspiring, but experience has shown that this is not the fuel that makes the business world turn. A desire for execution is a respectable attitude that can get you at the forefront of the corporate world and big enterprises. Shareholders do not want to hear uplifting stories and motivating dreams - they want see graphs that point upward. They want bang for their bucks. The most recognized quality of thriving employees is that they are ceaselessly achievement focused. Positive thinking cannot run the corporate gauntlet alone without other very critical metrics and can in no way be the silver shell it is professed to be by some motivational speakers and certain inspirational speakers. So when you consider your motivational speakers spreadsheet or inspirational speakers checklist, select ones that talk sense and not airy-fairy stuff. I was in the bank the other day and the employee on the other side of the counter sported an imbedded gold dollar symbol in his front tooth. Despite his enthusiastic attitude and visible golden commitment to finances, he couldn't help me. He couldn't fulfil a basic enquiry.  Maybe he is listening to the wrong inspirational speakers and motivational speakers or maybe he must just start interpreting motivational speakers messages with more common sense.