It’s sometimes tough to remain positive when we find ourselves deluged with the news of wars in Europe and the Middle East, or when we witness the disingenuous (and oftentimes witless) behaviour of our aspiring and incumbent political leaders. We can see some parallels in the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, where ethics and integrity often appear wholly absent.

But is this the true picture of our world, and should we succumb to the media’s doom-laden panorama of modern life?

It is all to easy for managers and business leaders to adopt a defensive, distrustful and frantic approach to leadership and decision making, and in so doing influence their peers and teams to mirror and emulate this negativity.

In this article, we make the case that there is so much to gain from adopting a positive outlook, searching for good news and encouraging a positive organization culture, and provide guidelines for leaders seeking to develop their positive thinking skills and to influence the culture of the organization to embrace and nurture happiness and good news.

The Positive Thinking Landscape

Believe it or not, there is in fact much to be optimistic about, and there are burgeoning media platforms offering alternative positive perspectives on world events. Here is an example:

Future Crunch

Future Crunch’s tagline says it all: ‘WE REPORT GOOD NEWS’.

The argument is made by Angus Hervey on 20the December, 2023 that ‘The news is supposed to tell us what’s happening in the world. It doesn’t. It tells us what’s going wrong.’

This media approach creates a negative narrative and outlook, and prevents us from seeing a future of ‘possibilities’.

 Some examples of Good News Stories reported in 2023 by Future Crunch include:

1. FIGHTING DISEASE: Egypt became the first country in the world to eliminate Hepatitis C (despite it having one of the highest level of infection). Further examples include countries like Timor-Leste, Bhutan, and North Korea eliminating rubella.
2. COMBATTING OBSEITY: The release of Ozempic and Wegovy have the potential to contribute massively to reducing the obesity epidemic in the west and but as Angus Hervey argues, drastically reduce symptoms of heart failure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. FOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENCE: The International Energy Agency (IEA), announced in October that global fossil fuel use may peak this year, two years earlier than predicted 12 months prior.
4. THE TAKE UP OF SOLAR ENERGY: Future Crunch also reports that, worldwide there will be an installation of 413 GW of solar this year, 58% more than in 2022, which itself marked an almost 42% increase from 2021. Angus explains that ‘this means the world’s solar capacity has doubled in the last 18 months, and that solar is now the fastest-growing energy technology in history.
5. ELECTRIC VEHICLE UPTAKE: again, the good news is that “Global electric vehicle sales increased by 36% this year, bringing the world’s total to 41 million electric vehicles.” To put this into perspective;” just two years ago, one in 25 cars sold globally was an electric vehicle. This year it will be one in five, and by 2025, one in two.”
6. POVERTY REDUCTION: Poverty reduction is another good news story, with India leading the way in lifting 100’s of millions of its citizens out of poverty in the past 20 years. Other success stories are in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Cambodia.
7. EDUCATION FOR GIRLS: UNICEF reported that there are 50 million more girls in school today than there were in 2015. What this means is that there are five million more girls completing all levels of education every year now, compared to seven years ago.
8. THE DEMISE OF TAX HAVENS: In 2015, the equivalent of 9% of global GDP was held in tax havens. Today this is down to around 3% (thanks in large to better information sharing and transparency between banks).
9. PROTECTION FOR WOMEN: Future Crunch report that The Netherlands and Switzerland amended their laws to introduce a consent-based definition of rape. Oman passed a law prohibiting the termination of employment due to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, and Latvia ratified the Istanbul Convention, the international treaty for preventing and combating violence against women and girls.
10. LGBTQ RIGHTS: – In December, we saw the announcement by Pope Francis that priests are allowed to bless unmarried and same-sex couples, and this act has been described as “the most concrete pastoral shift on the stance toward gay couples in the Catholic Church’s 2,000 year history.”

So, how do these good news stories make you feel? Less depressed? Optimistic? Want to hear more good news?

See many, many more good news stories at : Future Crunch.

Or another great site for good news is : Positive News | Good journalism about good things – Positive News

Lets now consider how positive thinking can enhance leadership and organizational performance.

Leaders who Embrace Positive Thinking

First, here are some well known examples of leaders in the business world known for promoting a positive culture.

1. Richard Branson (Virgin Group): Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is renowned for his optimistic and approachable leadership style. By maintaining an open and positive communication channel, he encourages innovation and creativity among his teams. The result is a company culture that values positivity, leading to improved collaboration and a resilient workforce.
2. Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo): Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, is another example of a leader who instilled a positive mindset throughout her organization. Nooyi emphasized the importance of learning from failures and maintaining a growth-oriented perspective. This approach empowered employees to take calculated risks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

3. Mary Barra (General Motors): Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, advocates for a positive workplace culture by emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. Her leadership has led to an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, fostering innovation and a sense of belonging among employees.

Benefits of Positive Thinking:

There are of course some obvious benefits for an organization in which leadership promotes positive thinking:

• Increased Productivity: A positive work environment enhances employee engagement and motivation, leading to increased productivity. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to invest their time and effort into their work.
• Enhanced Employee Well-being: Promoting positivity contributes to the overall well-being of employees. Reduced stress levels and a sense of purpose in the workplace lead to improved mental health and job satisfaction.
• Greater Innovation and Creativity: Positive cultures encourage employees to think outside the box, take risks, and contribute innovative ideas. This atmosphere of creativity is essential for organizations to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

View our course on: Developing an Innovative Culture

But how can you do this? First, let’s look at your own leadership approach.

Developing Positive Thinking as a Leader:

Here are some tips to improve your positive thinking:

MINDFULNESS PRACTICES:

Leaders can incorporate mindfulness techniques into their daily routines. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness training help leaders stay present, manage stress, and approach challenges with a calm and positive mindset.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS:

Leaders can also engage in positive self-talk. By repeating affirmations that reinforce a growth mindset and resilience, leaders can reframe their thinking patterns and build a more optimistic outlook.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING:

Leaders should actively seek opportunities for personal and professional development. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars that focus on leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and positive leadership practices.

And how can you demonstrate positive thinking in your leadership practice?

Leading Positively

Here are some steps to take to lead positively:

1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Senior leaders should embody the positive mindset they wish to instil in their teams. Demonstrating resilience, optimism, and a solutions-oriented approach sets the tone for the entire organization.

2. DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Foster open and transparent communication. Regularly share successes, acknowledge efforts, and provide constructive feedback. Clear and positive communication builds trust and strengthens the team’s sense of purpose.

3. PROMOTE A GROWTH MINDSET: Encourage a culture that views challenges as opportunities for growth. Emphasize the importance of continuous learning, and celebrate both individual and collective achievements.

4. RECOGNIZE AND REWARD POSITIVITY: Acknowledge and reward positive behavior. Recognition programs that highlight employees’ contributions create a culture of appreciation and motivate others to follow suit.

View our course on: Transformational Leadership

The next step to take as a leader is to help your people develop a positive mind set.

Assisting Employees:

Here are some tips in helping your people develop positive thinking:

1. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: Provide resources for personal and professional development. Training programs that focus on resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive thinking can empower employees to navigate challenges with a positive outlook.

2. MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS: Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced employees with those seeking guidance. Positive role models can provide support and share insights, fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration.

3. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (EAPS): Offer resources to support employees’ well-being, such as counselling services and stress management programs. Ensuring that employees have access to these resources demonstrates a commitment to their holistic development.

View our course on: Effective Mentoring Skills

One proven way of changing organization culture is through ‘Positive Thinking Workshops’.

Workshops for Improving Positive Thinking:

Here are some examples of a range of workshops you may want to organize for your managers and teams.

POSITIVE LEADERSHIP AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:

Workshops can be designed to enhance leaders’ emotional intelligence, emphasizing self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy. Practical exercises and case studies help leaders understand the impact of positive leadership on team dynamics.

View our course on: Emotional Intelligence for Leaders

RESILIENCE TRAINING:

These workshops focus on developing resilience in leaders by providing tools to navigate challenges and setbacks. Participants learn to view failures as opportunities for growth and develop coping mechanisms to maintain a positive perspective.

STRENGTHS-BASED LEADERSHIP:

This workshop encourages leaders to identify and leverage their strengths. By focusing on what individuals excel at, leaders can build confidence, increase job satisfaction, and contribute positively to team dynamics.

CREATING A POSITIVE ORGANIZATION CULTURE:

Workshops on creating a positive organization culture delve into the practical aspects of creating and sustaining a positive work environment. Leaders learn strategies for fostering collaboration, building trust, and promoting a sense of purpose among employees.

FEEDBACK AND RECOGNITION TRAINING:

In these workshops, Leaders are trained on delivering constructive feedback and recognizing employee contributions effectively. This workshop emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and its impact on motivation and job satisfaction.

View our course on ‘Managing Employee Performance’.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cultivating a positive organization culture is a strategic imperative for senior leaders. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Richard Branson and Indra Nooyi, and understanding the tangible benefits of positive thinking, senior leaders can employ various techniques and skills to create a workplace that fosters optimism, resilience, and success.

By leading by example and supporting their teams through training (workshops), mentorship, and recognition, senior leaders can create a positive ripple effect that extends throughout the organization.

By incorporating mindfulness practices, positive affirmations, and continuous learning, leaders can strengthen their positive thinking.