“There’s a widespread belief that if you have solid self-esteem you don’t need outside affirmation and praise. This is patently untrue, by the way.”
Harriet Lerner

Where’s your focus?

If you are frustrated by what people are not doing, focus on what they are doing and see how you can make that work to support your goals. There is a myth that leaders can freely give out advice and feedback. Nothing could be further from the truth. In leadership one of the most important jobs you will have is to not de-motivate people.

Successful leaders focus on the natural talents and innate drive of individuals and reinforce them with positive feedback. This type of focus increases their capabilities and attitudes to support the whole. While this seems simple, it can be very hard for leaders as they become distracted by the problems and issues of the day-to-day.

Positivity overwhelms negative comments.

A negative comment primes for failure, while a positive compliment does the opposite. There is something called the “Losada Line” which dictates that there is a point of about 3.94 compliments to criticisms given out by management which encourages a desired level of efficiency among staff. More compliments are better for efficiency.

It turns out human beings from all cultures, in all walks of life, and in all positions, respond better to positive feedback vs. negative feedback. This is what builds success.

Below are a few techniques for building a positive and proactive environment:

1. Write down the natural talents and skills of each team member and define how that actively supports your business.

2. Provide specific positive feedback to one team member a day on how their skill, passion, ability, focus, competency, etc supports the goal.

3. If you are stuck in a problem, ask a team member for their input and ideas.

4. In group meetings ask the following questions: What is working? What do we need to focus on to move closer to achieving our objective?

5. Thank people specifically, in all forms of communication, for their efforts that contribute to success.

6. Make a list of the people you connect with regularly and think about what they bring to you. Send them a note, call them up, and thank them, regularly, for the effort and focus they provide on your behalf.

Maintain a positive and productive environment by taking time to pause each day to consider the contributions of others and the impact their work is having on the team or business. Turn those thoughts into action by saying a simple thank you.