You already know that modeling the way is a big part of being a successful leader/manager. Something else to keep in mind is the seemingly simple idea of staying positive. Times are tough and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the doom brought on by sales numbers, the media, and the still shaky global economy. As a manager, you probably have access to some information that’s not available to all of your employees, and not all of this information is positive or inspiring. Having such knowledge can further thrust us into the negative state of mind.
You have the responsibility to keep yourself in check and to find ways to be positive. Understand that I’m not suggesting living in a world of fantasy where unpleasant reality is replaced with unrealistic bouts of positive thinking. Smiling in the face of death is foolish. What I’m saying here is that you must have the ability to focus on moving forward toward realistic solutions. It’s up to you as a successful leader/manager to find the positive and help your employees see and utilize it. Will you be able to find the positive in each and every situation? That depends on your own personality. The ability you should have is one where you can move forward toward a better and more positive future.
Pay attention to what’s going on in your own head as well as to what’s happening around you. Find positive in everyday situations and use that to help your employees (and yourself) to get through tough times. Staying realistic and positive is simply a part of modeling the way.
