Where would you rather work – a workplace of gloom and doom, or one where people bring a sunny disposition and generally optimistic view, even if things are hard? Even the most hardened cynical curmudgeons would prefer the latter. If we want a more positive working culture and atmosphere, it starts with individuals, especially leaders, bringing a positive attitude to work.

As a very positive person, this comes easier to me perhaps than others, but when things are challenging and change is all around us, everyone may need to work on their attitude. This article isn’t about being perfect or certainly not Pollyanna, but rather about maintaining, or perhaps building a positive attitude at work.

  • Be more grateful. Gratitude is a powerful emotion. But more than that, it is a habit we can cultivate. When you consistently look for reasons to be grateful (at home, at work, everywhere), your attitude will be more positive. One of the easiest and most consistent ways to build your positive attitude is to create a gratitude habit. Here’s why that matters, especially for us as leaders.
  • Limit negative influences. There is no doubt that people who see and share the negative can dampen our attitude. If these people are your teammates, we can’t avoid them, but we can make sure to not feed into their negativity. By the way – they may not see themselves as negative, so as a leader you may, over time, want to coach them on some of the ideas in this article. But in the moment of their negativity, acknowledge how they feel, then perhaps the best thing you can do, is the next tip…
  • Flip negatives around. Whether the negativity is in your head or swirling around the team, acknowledge, then flip it around. Try things like these: “Yes, there are problems, and…” “I see your point, and…” “True, and there is this too…” all are meant to give us the chance to consider the positives, without denying the challenges. Notice the key word in all the examples is “and.” People won’t feel heard or acknowledged if you us the word “but.” Flip them around with an and.
  • Celebrate progress and small wins. Things won’t always work out. Progress may be slow. Yes, it would be better to celebrate ultimate victory (the cynic will remind us), but that isn’t always an option. Rather than being negative about that reality, focus on the progress that has been made and the wins you have achieved. Doing this doesn’t mean we have to settle - it just means that we can maintain the energy that will help us move to ultimate victory.
  • Keep learning. There are plenty of good reasons for us to keep learning. This is just one more on the list. When we continue to learn we find new ways, build our confidence, and see new opportunities. All those things help us build our positive attitude. How could they not?

This article has focused on you – as a leader and team member. Because your example of positivity is the single best thing you can do to raise the positive attitude at work for the entire team. Start with these ideas and watch the attitude around you change – perhaps faster than you might think. And if you think you are already doing these things, now might be the time to redouble your efforts if you want a more positive attitude for yourself and those around you.

Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

Share your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}