Book Review: Positive Leadership: Strategies For Extraordinary Performance

"Positive leadership aims not just to create positive emotions in people--to help people feel happy--but to dramatically affect organizational performance for the better."

This quote by the author Kim Cameron contains a potentially shocking idea! The majority of written work we read discusses tackling problems and determining our strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and seizing market share. The words and phrases we read suggest that we are reacting to negative influences instead of emphasizing strengths and positive aspects. Cameron suggests that instead of not focusing on weaknesses and problems, we cultivate the positive leadership strategies that include:

To be able to achieve positive unorthodox performance, create an attitude of affirmation within our organization, and concentrate on the virtues and the best of the human condition It is essential to have an environment that is positive with positive relationships, positively communicated, as well as positive significance! Certainly lofty objectives. Let's look at the four strategies, and then figure out how to implement them.

The climate is favorable

This is a work culture where positive emotions such as gratitude, appreciation and joy surpass negative emotions such as dismissal, anger and sadness.

Events that encourage and strengthen compassion, forgiveness and gratitude are crucial for leaders. Compassion is...well, it's just who you are, given the work in the cemeteries. The process of forgiveness is more complex. Do we blame others for our problems, or do we use failures as "learning moments" in which we acknowledge the mistake and develop strategies to avoid repeating similar mistakes in the future? How can we practice gratitude, i.e., pleases and thank yous...perhaps sending a thank you note from the comfort of your home? What can we do to spread our gratitude?

Positive Interactions

We believe that this is a natural part of the human state. We are more lewis university tuition likely to have positive relationships than those that are negative in our life! To build more positive relationships What are the positive energizers in our organization? Perhaps it's us! Who are the people who are upbeat, trustworthy, and selfless? Perhaps more important, how can we recognize them? Are our leaders recognizing the strengths of other people? Are we taking note of and disseminating the good?

And, who are the potential negative energizers? They leave their colleagues feeling tired and exhausted. Are we as leaders, had an honest and open discussion with them about the impact they have on other people? Have we provided development ideas and actions? We may need to find the roles that will ensure their influence on others is reduced, or we may be required to help them in finding a place to flourish in another area.'

Positive communication

"Positive communication occurs in organisations when affirmative and supportive language replaces negative and critical language," as you might imagine. Cameron discusses the difference between negative and positive language...

Positive statements convey...

Negative statements communicate...

Appreciation Appreciation Helpfulness Approval Complments Criticism Disapproval Cynicism Disagreement

We suggest that leaders take care to balance these two. Cameron is of the opinion that the ideal proportion is 5 positive statements to each critical statement. We think a good question for you is...what is your ratio?

Another way for leaders to be successful is to combine advocacy, that includes making statements and telling and inquiry that includes asking questions. How do we invite our employees to contribute their skills, ideas, and gifts to help the development of the company?

Positive Significance

Cameron suggests that our search for meaning and purpose is a university-level human need. Based upon our interactions with all of you, we believe this is an area in which you are a pro. This work is your vocation and is a call in the eyes of many. It is a significant thing for you. Cameron believes that work is important when it exhibits the following four qualities.

The well-being of humans is improved as a result.

that is connected to a significant virtue or personal value

The impact extends beyond the immediate time-frame.

Creates a sense of community

We've covered what we call the Great Resignation and its difficulties in previous articles. How are you framing your team's leadership role to demonstrate the four attributes mentioned above? Maybe this will help in the selection and retention of your key teammates.

In the end, we believe Cameron's work to be well written and backed by numerous studies, and recommend that you watch his various videos for a quick hit.' Check out his reference pages to learn more about the book. It's possible to dedicate a few years to reading about positivity...that really sounds quite good.