Shifting from good to exceptional
Positive leadership is not simply the absence of criticism or a focus on what is going well. It is a rich, evidence-based approach that cultivates strengths, connection, communication, and purpose. It is about creating the conditions that help people thrive, perform at their best, and feel genuinely valued – individually and collectively.
This style of leadership is based on research that indicates how focusing on strengths, values, and meaningful contributions can lead to remarkable results. It originates from the field of Positive Organisational Scholarship. Leaders can create cultures of resilience, engagement, and performance by following this idea.
Going beyond traditional leadership
Fixing problems, keeping things running smoothly, or helping individuals learn new skills are all things that traditional leadership focuses on. Positive leadership goes even further by bringing out the best in people. It creates a space where people want to do more than merely fulfil expectations. Leaders help people grow and succeed by showing them what’s achievable and guiding them toward it.
Rewiring the brain’s negativity bias
Positive leadership works with the way the brain is wired. Neuroscience research suggests that our brains are programmed to pay more attention to errors as a means of protecting us and predicting outcomes. Positive leadership helps change that focus by pushing people to look for things that make them feel good, give them energy, and motivate them.
Positive deviance in action
Positive deviance is a strong example of this idea in action. It means acting in ways that are honourable and go above and beyond what is normal. Leaders that practice positive deviance don’t just do things the way they’ve always been done. They build innovative, useful ways for people, teams, and organisations to move forward.
These leaders didn’t disregard the problems. They faced them with hope and faith in their people’s abilities. That is what constructive leadership is all about: identifying what is possible and helping it grow, especially when things get tough.
The ripple effect of a leader’s mindset
This approach has numerous implications that extend beyond the immediate situation. When leaders think positively and see possibilities, their way of thinking spreads to others. Gallup research suggests that the leader’s mood can affect up to 70% of the team’s climate. A leader’s positive attitude increases team cohesion, boosts motivation, and raises performance outcomes by as much as 30%.
What’s next in this series?
In this blog series, we’ll discuss the four key aspects that positive leaders implement to make this idea a reality: creating a positive environment, fostering positive connections, promoting positive communication, and generating positive meaning. There are straightforward, concrete tactics in each of these areas that can help leaders build successful and high-performing teams.
Choosing positivity with intention
Being a good leader doesn’t mean acting like everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to focus on what makes people feel good and giving them the freedom to be their best. You have to work every day to show others the energy, behaviour, and attitude you want to see in them.
By adopting this mindset, you empower yourself and everyone around you to move from good to great. You make a culture where success is based not only on results but also on how those accomplishments are achieved—with intention, care, and humanity.
Where do you start?
So, where do you start? Begin by reflecting on how you currently lead. Do you tend to focus more on fixing problems, or do you actively notice and build on what is working well? Do your conversations with others highlight strengths and possibilities? What tone do you set each day – for yourself and for those around you? And importantly, how are you supporting your own wellbeing along the way?
As you think about these questions, keep in mind that being a good leader is a process. It starts with being conscious and continues with regular, planned activity. Do you make work a better place with how you lead?
Deb is a Senior Consultant who is passionate about Positive Leadership and brings with her a wealth of experience in applying Positive Psychology and the Neuroscience of Leadership to help individuals and organisations thrive.
If you’re curious about how Positive Leadership could benefit you or your team, get in touch with Deb to explore our leadership and capability programmes and start a meaningful conversation.
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