Stay Positive

Positive emotions (just like negative emotions) are infectious. Leaders have an opportunity with each and every issue they face to frame it as positive or negative, as an opportunity or threat. Research tells us that how an issue is framed dramatically affects how people react. The implication for leadership? The glass is half full! I do not mean to imply that you are to avoid conflict or avoid providing needed critical feedback. Simply make sure that you are positive when doing it and that you balance all critical and developmental feedback with a good dose of honest praise. This does not make people enjoy difficult feedback, but it puts them in a better mental position to actually accept and consider what you have to say.

Next, realize that to be a leader is to be a cheerleader. Sports metaphors have their limits, but this one really fits. Leaders must find specific instances of individual and group performance to single out and applaud. The leader sets the ceiling for positive emotion so take this role seriously. Do cheerleaders only cheer when their team does something great? No. They console the guy who missed the winning shot too. So should leaders. If your goal is to help them learn and continue striving, you have to praise the positive and help put the negative in perspective. The next time you want to blame, yell or otherwise explode and point your finger at work, remember, leaders have a choice. Great leaders choose to find the positive in every situation.

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