One of the most important attributes for a great leader is the ability to remain positive even when a firm is experiencing a downturn and the future may require some tough decision-making. Do not underestimate the value of creating a positive environment for you and everyone around you. In “Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance”, Kim Cameron encourages leaders to develop a positive climate, positive relationships and positive communication.
Positive Climate
Creating a workplace that is open to new ideas and welcoming to all of the team members helps to mold a positive atmosphere. Regular meetings with the team need to be conducted, where objectives are clearly set and tasks fairly distributed. Every stakeholder needs to be held accountable and take ownership for their job responsibilities. The leader makes an effort to include others in resolving problems in dealing with sensitive issues. Everyone on the team feels they too must lead with enthusiasm and high levels of energy to keep the team afloat. By being open and transparent to each challenge, a sense of trust emerges that allows a free flow of accurate and honest information.
Positive Relationships
Leadership is all about creating rapport with those we work with. In order to emerge as a high performing team, it is critical for leaders to show an interest in others by responding to their needs for more information, personal growth, positive feedback and recognition. When was the last time you told someone what a great job they did? By developing a culture of praising others for their contributions and valuable efforts, an organization perpetuates a positive way to support one another. By mentoring others to share their ideas and offer suggestions for continual improvement, a greater end result will evolve. Cheering a team on and believing in the abilities of its members is contagious!
Positive Communication
A successful team depends upon open, clear and direct communication. Each team member needs to be able to assert themselves and get their needs met, while still being respectful of another person’s point of view. It is also helpful to use positive language such as, “You may want to try this way” versus “You are doing this wrong and you need to change your way”. Using the word “and” is much more inclusive than using the dreaded “but”. Avoiding the blame game is important and is less effective then brainstorming a more successful solution. Taking responsibility for one’s actions and specifically using “I” messages is a powerful way to communicate. Being honest in what a person has to say is always more positive than misleading a team member. Positive communication involves caring about others and expressing that concern with upbeat, clear language.
Do you have a positive leadership style? Is your team in need of positivity?