Research in positive leadership approaches demonstrates the importance of moving beyond a problem-focused approach to embrace a more positive view of our people, their potential and motivations.
Positive leadership refers to an emphasis on:
• What elevates individuals and organizations (in addition to what challenges them)
• What goes right in organizations (in addition to what goes wrong)
• What is life-giving (in addition to what is problematic or life-depleting)
• What is experienced as good (in addition to what is objectionable)
• What is extraordinary (in addition to what is merely effective), and what is inspiring (in addition to what is difficult or arduous)
Positive leadership transcends traditional approaches to management through an emphasis on authentic engagement, strength-focused approaches, and drawing out and engaging employee team potential.
• Leadership Virtues in Action represent the capacity of leaders to show gratitude, compassion and forgiveness.
• Energizing Skills demonstrate the ability of leaders to keep employees feeling energized with enthusiasm, vitality, openness and optimism.
• Positive Communication is the capacity for leaders to offer constructive feedback, manage conflict and remain honest and open.
• Motivational Knowledge and Skills reflect leaders’ knowledge and engagement of employee strengths, interests and values.
• Operational Tasks highlight the ability of leaders to keep employees feeing engaged and supported through regular meetings, offering clarity of roles/expectations, and providing opportunities for personal growth.