The Insider is a weekly, subscriber-only newsletter, where our managing editor curates HBR stories, research, and ideas that senior leaders shouldn’t miss.

If your organization is having a tough year, you’re not alone. As a leader, it’s enormously challenging to guide your employees through setback after setback. Over time, it can feel like everyone is constantly bracing for impact—even when things may be turning around.

In a new article, positive psychology researcher Michelle Gielan explains why it’s so hard to counter the pessimism that comes with trying times. Because our brains have a bias toward negativity, the constant drumbeat of bad news can encourage a mentality of helplessness: “Keep your head down, don’t bother, nothing changes anyway.”

This is why the go-to response for most leaders doesn’t cut it. “You can’t cure pessimism with a motivational speech or a good-vibes-only demeanor. Research shows that when people feel they must fake positivity, it leads to higher burnout.” Read this great HBR article to find out more.