Staying positive hasn’t come easily to any of us over the past year. But ironically, it is times like these that a being Positive Influence matters the most.
COVID-19 underscored how rapidly and unexpectedly things can and do change. As leaders, it’s more important than ever before that we be a Positive Influence for our teams. They need that clear guidance, support, and confidence to succeed in our uncertain world.
What Positive Influence is, and why it’s important
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. — Colin Powell
There is more to being a Positive Influence than just “looking on the bright side.” It means taking an active role in helping others solve problems and grow their confidence levels.
Positive Influence is about empowering others to do their best through consistent feedback, recognition, and support. We as leaders have a responsibility to:
- Create a positive working environment for everyone
- Help others effectively respond to upsetting events
- Help others address and resolve issues that affect their performance
Becoming a true Positive Influence is hard work. It requires consistently practicing behaviors that uplift and empower others. We have to do this even when we’re exhausted, or we don’t particularly feel like it. But the more you practice, the more being a Positive Influence just becomes second nature.
8 behaviors to improve your Positive Influence as a leader
You can grow your Positive Influence by practicing these eight behaviors at work.
- Help others understand their purpose and contributions to the organization. Set clear targets and have an open discussion with your team on how they feel they can best play a role in contributing.
- Give useful support and guidance to others. When doing this, always approach it from a coaching or mentorship angle. Ask your colleagues how you could better support them.
- Help others respond effectively to stressful situations. Ask open-ended questions. Really listen to their answers without providing ones of your own. Help them consider potential best outcomes and alternative courses of action.
- Notice and respond right away to inappropriate behavior. If you notice inappropriate behavior in a team member, address it by taking a genuine interest in the person and the issue. Be firm, but also be clear. If you’re not sure how to help, be honest about that, too. Positive Influencers aren’t afraid to admit they don’t have all the answers.
- Create a positive collaborative work environment. Be honest and open about workplace challenges, and also recognize the things that are working well. By showing that you’re all in it together, you’ll encourage your team to approach situations in a collaborative way.
- Recognize the hard work and achievements of others. Show that you care enough about others to openly appreciate their accomplishments in the workplace. On the other hand, when an employee is having a tough time, show you care enough by empathizing with them and giving encouragement.
- Promote a strong vision for the future. Take the time to gather data and understand the broader perspective on the future so that you can lead the organization with a positive agenda in mind. Help them link their actions to the broader purpose of their roles.
- Understand your role and influence as a leader. How you lead your team affects just about every aspect of their lives. As such, you have a duty to build positive, trusting relationships with them by putting their needs before your own. Promote their achievements, and always support them in their personal growth journeys.
Benefits of using your Positive Influence as a leader
- Being a Positive Influence can create extremely comfortable, productive work environments for everyone.
- A Positive Influence encourages colleagues to cooperate and work effectively together.
- People who can positively influence others’ moods, feelings, and emotions are empowering to work with. They easily motivate everyone around them.
- When you’re a Positive Influence, your Authenticity is obvious. There is no need to prove anything to your team. They will trust, value, and respect you and your vision by knowing that you have their best interests at heart.
CTA: Are you struggling to be a Positive Influence in these uncertain times? Learn how a personalized executive coaching experience with me can help you get back on track.
