Positive.  What does it mean to you?  The Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as “thinking about the good qualities of someone or something; thinking that a good result will happen; hopeful or optimistic”. How important is positivity in your workplace?  Do you believe that having a good attitude brings more productivity from employees?

A recent article in the Harvard Business Review tells us that there is PROOF that positive work cultures are more productive.  Read it here. The article states that a negative, high-pressure environment leads to disease and death from heart attacks.  It also says that disengagement is high in these types of cultures.  Disengagement creates high turnover and lack of motivation.  What can  you do about this?

As a leader you can create a positive atmosphere for your team.  We believe that leaders have to the power to cultivate positivity in the workplace.  This results in a happier, more productive  team.  Here are a few simple ways to keep your team and work environment in a happy state.

1. Be kind and courteous. Mother Teresa said “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
2. Be grateful. Say the words “thank you” often and recognize your team members’ Feeling appreciated can inspire people to do their best work.
3. Be flexible and listen to new ideas. If you are faced with a challenge, generate new ways of thinking to manage them. Team members will appreciate this when faced with an unexpected obstacle.
4. Respect your team’s time and efforts. Acknowledge those around you so they feel valued.
5. Demonstrate a good, positive attitude. This shows others how well you complete projects and also affects how others will perceive you. It invites an open door policy, which keeps the lines of communication open.
6. Engage your team with positive workplace interactions. Create a quick, fun game that will get people talking and engaging with one another.
7. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Work can be stressful at times.  Try to focus on the issue at hand and slow down.  This will show your team how to handle issues with control and optimism.
8. Continue to learn. Give and ask for feedback.  Teach your team members what you know so they are comfortable and confident.
9. Create a friendly and inviting workspace and encourage your team members to do the same. It always feels good to work in an organized and welcoming space.
10. Smile, laugh and enjoy your job more! Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.  And it’s contagious – let your team see you laughing and in good spirits.

By being positive in the workplace you are setting the expectation for your team members that happiness is a choice.  We can choose to be optimistic, and approach negative situations with poise and determination in order to turn them into new opportunities.  As a leader you can inspire and encourage others with positive language.  Work towards collaboration instead of competition.  Focus on the goals achieved rather than the ones that failed.  Seek ways to help your employees gain happiness from their job and feel excited to perform each day.

Good leaders create good performers – great leaders create great performers.  Contact us today if you know of someone wanting to LEAP to success by increasing their leadership confidence and competence.