In business and in life, we will always face challenges, but positive leaders find a way forward. Positive leaders don’t let their circumstances define them; they lead in such a way to overcome them. Here are 4 key principles and practices from “The Power of Positive Leadership” by Jon Gordon, that will help you navigate any challenges and or change you may be facing.
- Tell the Truth and Communicate the Facts
During times of change it is essential for the leader to be honest and transparent about the situation. Explain the challenge you are facing.
Communicate the facts: “This is what we know.”
“This is what we don’t know.”
“This is where we are as a team or company.”
“These are our numbers and forecasts.”
Always confront the reality of the situation. I’ve found that even if you communicate bad news it’s still better than the negativity and uncertainty that comes with not being transparent. Remember, where there is a void in communication negativity will fill it. Whatever you do don’t sugarcoat the situation or lie. I once saw a superintendent of a school district get a standing ovation even though he had just announced that they were having to lay off 10% of employees. He spoke with compassion, he shared the facts, was truthful, and as a result, had earned their respect.
2. Lead with Optimism and Belief
Even when you are in the middle of a challenging situation or circumstances, you, as the leader, must stay positive and lead with optimism. After all, pessimists don’t change the world, and neither will you if you let your circumstances define your attitude. This doesn’t mean you ignore the reality of the situation. It does mean, however, that you believe you will find a way to overcome your situation.
Leadership is a transfer of belief.
The optimism and belief you share with your team plays a big part in how you work together to overcome adversity.
3. Share the Plan
When Alan Mulally took over as the CEO of Ford in 2006, the company lost 12 billion dollars. He turned the company around in a few short years and many say it was one of the greatest leadership feats in history. He said that everyone had to know the plan, embrace the plan and relentlessly work towards the plan. It’s essential that, as a leader, you share the plan and explain why the plan will work and how it will be executed. This brings clarity, and clarity leads to focused action.
4. Point Towards a Positive Future
After you tell the truth and communicate the facts, share your optimism and plan to succeed. Then share a specific vision of what success will look like in the future.
“Yes, this is where we are now, but here is where we are going. This is what we are working to create.”
What success looks like for each team and organization is different. The key is to define it and share the vision with your team. We all need something to hope for and work towards. When you share a positive vision for the future, it engages, ignites, and rallies your team to accomplish the vision together.
Always remember that leadership is action, not position. Your actions as a leader are followed far more than you know. Having a negative attitude is one action that is not acceptable. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we always have control of how we react to them. Choose to lead with optimism and enthusiasm and watch how contagious it will become throughout your organization.
Lead well,
Greg Gelineau, CLTC
Executive Vice President
