3 Behaviors to Become Known as a Positive Leader

Sometimes the hardest thing for leaders to do is to pause, reflect and then provide positive, affirming words to others. In the vernacular of performance reviews or debriefs, we generally label it as positive feedback, but I’m referring to regular, daily communication with others.

Having been a leadership consultant, coach, and trainer for more than 20 years, I can tell you this may sound easy, but can be like pulling teeth for busy, results-oriented leaders. If you realize that you may be more stingy than generous with your positive words, realize that giving this gift is a fantastic investment that will still have a remarkable impact on results.

"Giving affirming words and positive feedback doesn’t require a new corporate strategy, and it doesn’t add costs to your budget." [Tweet This]

Well, that’s not exactly true. You don’t have to buy them, but it will cost you some attention, time, and willingness to think positively about someone else. Perhaps above all else, it will require being intentional.

Why Positive Feedback??

Why is this gift so important? Here are three reasons:

1.Positive feedback meets several deep human needs. Each of us has a deep need to have meaning and purpose in our life. Work is a big part of life, and when we know that we’re contributing and making a difference, it meets that need. It encourages our hearts and lifts our spirits.

When we receive positive affirmation, we are more energized; we feel better about ourselves, and we are more confident and more effective. We have less fear and can respond in a more genuine manner.

2. When you compliment someone’s talents, contributions, and future potential, you’re contradicting some of the lies and negative beliefs that they have about themselves. We all struggle with these lies that undermine our confidence and cause unwarranted insecurities, both of which undermine our work performance. To quote another Christmas analogy, you’re helping them battle their “ghosts of Christmases past” and realize their true value.

From my background as a former Vietnam POW, I also like to think of it as bringing freedom to the captives. A good leader’s affirmation and expression of confidence can free us from distorted self-perceptions and?help restore our perspective of our true identity and achievements.

3. There’s a multiplication effect that comes from genuine positive affirmation. When people are affirmed, they are more energized and confident. This impacts others, creating a generative effect. We know that attitudes and emotions are contagious, and positive ones bring greater efficiency and effectiveness.

How to Give Positive Feedback

So now you know why you should generously give positive feedback as well as its benefits. How do you do it? Here are three simple ways:

1. Make it specific. Use a recent example of a successful contribution or some way in which the person has impacted you or the team.
2. Make it genuine—short is fine. You don’t have to make a big deal about it—though in some situations that may be called for.
3. Make sure you have positive energy and enthusiasm. If you are highly results-oriented and reserved, this step may be difficult. This is one time that acting your way into a new way of feeling and expression is not being phony. If you genuinely want to show appreciation and respect for the person, you may feel a bit uncomfortable. Stretch yourself to be more effusive in your delivery of this gift and give extravagantly.

If you’re not sure how your results vs relationship balance stacks up, take the Leadership Behavior DNA assessment to find out.

Make it Intentional

I’m going to be very intentional in 2022 about giving positive feedback. I want to speak into the lives of those around me to show my confidence in them and their future. I’m challenging you to do the same and then post some of your experiences.

What did success look like? When did you miss an opportunity and how can you recover? Let’s be honest and share and see what we can learn from each other.

LE [Tweet This Article]

Two Resources to Assess Your Positivity Performance

Leadership Behavior DNA - Purchase the Assessment

This 19-page report provides accurate, personalized results on Insights on Leadership DNA Traits (based on the eight factors of behavior), Natural Leadership Strengths and Struggles, Natural Communication Style, Results vs. Relationships Balance, and includes a personal development plan in the report for applying the results.

Leadership Behavior DNA - Purchase the Book

Understanding Natural Behavior is Today’s Hidden Competitive Advantage – Grounded in statistical research and supported by data from millions of clients and more than 45 years of workplace experience, Lee Ellis and Hugh Massie reveal their personal stories on how they’ve successfully helped organizations achieve their goals by applying practical insights on human design.

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