Positive Leadership
By Lori Weyuker
The Stepping Stone, November 2022
We live in a world of rapid change, often bringing increased responsibilities. Daily news headlines are enough to put one in a negative mindset. But effective leaders don’t have the luxury of being negative on the job.
As leaders, the disposition we project has a significant impact on our teams that we work with directly, as well as on our organizations as a whole. When we, as leaders, exude optimism, our teams and organizations benefit greatly. But how do you stay optimistic in periods of tumult?
First let me make the case for positive leadership, then I’ll discuss some tips on how to achieve and maintain that optimistic mindset in leadership.
What is Positivity in Leadership?
According to University of Michigan professor of management Kim S. Cameron, PhD, in his book, Practicing Positive Leadership: Tools and Techniques That Create Extraordinary Results (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2013):
"Positive leadership refers to the implementation of multiple positive practices that help individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential, flourish at work, experience elevating energy and achieve levels of effectiveness difficult to attain otherwise."
Why be a Positive Leader?
Positivity in leadership isn’t Pollyannaish. I’m not promoting a head-in-the-clouds approach.
A leader who exudes positivity benefits an organization and its people at both the micro and macro levels. Positive leadership has been linked to an organization’s positive outcomes (via the individual) in job satisfaction, job performance, willingness to go above-and-beyond at work, and creativity at work. On the other hand, negative leadership has been linked to higher employee turnover, increased employee stress and anxiety, absenteeism, and burnout. A leader instigates results from their team, for better or worse.[1] Certainly, one would prefer the results expected from positive leadership!
How to Become a Positive Leader
The following is not an exhaustive list, but implementing these tips will have a favorable effect on your team/firm.
Focus on an Employee’s Strengths Rather than Weaknesses
It seems to be human nature to immediately see what is wrong with a situation or thing. This is the “negative-approach” focus. In contrast, to seek out and try to observe things that a team-member is doing which are positive takes discipline and constant self-reminders.
Examples of positive focus include:
- Identifying things an employee is good at, and then leveraging those to benefit the organization/team.
- Praising an employee for a job well-done in a particular situation.
- Praising an employee publicly in a meeting can also be a good thing. Just keep in mind whether it might embarrass a shy employee, and if so, find another way to offer public praise.
This doesn’t mean one should completely ignore working on performance that needs improvement. Just try to increase your focus on the things an employee is doing well. Maximize opportunities for positivity rather than negativity (praise rather than criticism).
Cultivate a Culture of Celebrating Wins
In smaller team meetings as well as in larger division/all-hands meetings, make note of accomplishments and cheer each other on. This requires continually thinking about the organization’s/team’s successes throughout the year to continue this ongoing discipline.
Be visibly positive
A positive attitude is contagious (and so is a negative one). Consciously try to exude a positive orientation, being as genuine as possible. Some examples include smiling, having a positive facial expression, as well as positive body language. Positive body language includes:
- Leaning in slightly when someone is speaking, which shows interest in what the person is saying.
- Not crossing your arms, but instead having your arms comfortably at your sides or having your hands in your lap.
- Eye contact, which lets both the speaker and others know you are interested in the conversation.
- Affirmative movements, such as nodding your head in agreement to let the speaker know you are on their side.
- Good posture—not slouching, but instead sitting up straight shows you aren’t bored by what the speaker is saying.
These may seem like insignificant details, but they are impactful.
In conclusion, consequential results at both the team and corporate level can come from being a positive leader. Over time, small, consistent efforts in positive leadership can help the direction of your company for the better. Positive leadership is linked to a favorable effect on the company bottom-line, through improved employee engagement, lowered absenteeism, improved productivity, diminished employee turnover, and increase in efficient processes via creativity. According to one study, highly engaged employees produce about 30 percent more revenue per employee.[2]
Why not give it a try and see what happens?
Statements of fact and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries, the editors, or the respective authors’ employers.
Lori Weyuker, ASA, is an independent consultant in InsurTech, pet insurance and health insurance. She is currently vice-chair of the SOA’s Leadership & Development Section Council. She can be reached at InnovationLW@gmail.com. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-weyuker-a86065245/