Positive Thinking and Action

Posted by Aleksandar M. Velkoski on January 27, 2010 under General Leadership, Leadership Development | Be the First to Comment

It is, often, very hard for us to stay positive. This is especially true during times of challenge and difficulty. For some of us, periodic challenge and difficulty can be exciting. For most of us, however, challenge and difficulty, especially prolonged challenge and difficulty, can be exhausting. Positive thinking and action can not only help us get through the challenges and difficulties of leadership, but also can help us embrace challenges in life, which may lead us to totally shift our perspective.  I cannot stress enough the importance of positive thinking and action as an antidote to challenge, and as a prescription for long-term success.

The modern concept of positive thinking roots in the study of the human mind. However, as it applies for our discussion in the context of leadership, positive thinking roots in the study of Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS). Some of the bright minds of field include Kim S. Cameron, Jane E. Dutton, Robert E. Quinn, Robert A. Emmons, and Kathleen M. Sutcliffe to name a few.  One of my favorite compilations in the field of POS comes from Robert A. Emmons on “Acts of Gratitude in Organizations.” Emmons concluded that the use of gratitude, a moral and positive emotion, leads to positive outcomes in the workplace. If I were a betting man, and sometimes I am, I would say that the use of gratitude leads to positive outcomes in most other situations too!  

Kim Cameron’s work on “Positive Leadership” sheds light on the importance of fostering a positive climate, developing positive meaning, establishing positive relationships, and executing positive communication. According to Cameron, through implementing these four strategies a leader can transition into a positive leader. From my perspective, however, these strategies go beyond the scope of leadership to apply to each and every one of us and our every day lives. I cannot think of any situation where fostering a positive climate, developing positive meaning, establishing positive relationships, and executing positive communication would result in negative consequences.

However, let us not be fooled: positive thinking and action requires a lot of work. One exercise that I enjoy (brought to my attention by a university professor) is to challenge myself to think positively for as long as possible.  Everytime I think negatively, I put a quarter into a jar. By the end of the week, how many quarters do you think I have saved in the jar? I suggest that everyone try that exercise because it forces you to be conscious of your thoughts and your actions. My only hope for this post would be that it leaves you with a positive attitude and inspires you to be, act, and live positively.  It makes a difference.