There is something powerful in reflecting on the power of positivity. As we seek to continue leading others, it can become easy to focus on the negativity that seemingly abounds in this world. Yet, positive leaders focus on the here and now.
When I speak to leaders worldwide, I typically use the phrase, “focus on what is happening now.” Gibbons wrote, “Effective leaders prepare their employees to carry their mission forward, engaging with present realities while keeping an eye toward the future” (2018). The present reality does not ignore the issue(s) but instead looks at the problem(s) as growth opportunities. I believe all people need to be reminded to “focus on what’s happening now” (Hardcastle, 2021). It is too easy to become sidetracked.
People are looking for leaders who will take the lead, and those who take on these principles will:
- Learn to develop a system, which encourages innovation through a multitude of voices,
- Build inclusivity at the center of their organization,
- Make a decision to move forward and holds other accountable for the direction,
- Look for feedback and does not hide from it,
- Invites others to learn from their mistakes (Gibbons, 2018).
Leaders need to hear this message; followers are more likely to follow positive leaders than those who are negative.
The most prominent leadership theories include: “Authentic Leadership Development (ALD), Transformational Leadership, Charismatic Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Spiritual Leadership (Avolio & Gardner, 2005)” (Ackerman, 2020). Each of these leadership theories includes Positive Leadership (PL). PL involves others in a process that allows followers to experience a leaders’ demonstrating and thoughtfully empowering through positive emotions. PL also requires a leader to be fully invested and interested in those they lead, not solely the organization’s purposes. There must be a combination or mix of the two. Leaders who demonstrate PL are really in tune with themselves; they know who they are and their emotional states. They live in optimism and demonstrate personal integrity in their dealings (Ackerman, 2020).
You can enhance your leadership just by being optimistic. Don’t ignore reality, but also, don’t buy into the negativity. Surrender your thoughts to celebrate things that go right while aiming to fix what’s wrong. Surrender to the things that are out of your control, and seek to develop a plan to enhance what you can control.
Always put others first; believe in your leadership and followership; and have clarity of vision, which will help inspire others to follow you.
References
Ackerman, C. E. (2020, October 12). Positive Leadership: 30 Must-Have Traits and Skills. Retrieved March 04, 2021, from https://positivepsychology.com/positive-leadership/
Gibbons, S. (2018, August 14). 5 Practices That Make You A Leader People Want To Follow. Retrieved March 04, 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/serenitygibbons/2018/07/31/5-practices-that-make-you-a-leader-people-want-to-follow/?sh=5508920d56de
