All of history's greatest leaders have been optimists, believers, dreamers, and doers who push past problems to make great things happen. To change the world, create a world-class organization, or bring together a successful team, you must have a positive outlook. Research shows quite definitively positive leaders energize workplaces, help teams and companies perform at a higher level, and attract better talent. This is more than having a positive state of mind and refusing to see problems. To put positive leadership into action, there are nine principles you have to apply. Being positive doesn't just make you better; it makes everyone around you better.
Great leadership is exemplified by the ability to foster a positive organizational culture that draws out the best in individuals. This culture is not derived from textbooks or speeches but from leaders who embody and demonstrate positive values. Alan Mulally's transformation of Ford Motor Company is a testament to this. Taking the helm in 2008 after a $12.7 billion loss, Mulally steered Ford back to profitability by 2009 through his "One Ford" culture, emphasizing unity and mutual commitment. He believed that culture powers people and trumps strategy, and that leaders must live their values to inspire and guide their teams. Building a positive culture involves leaders being clear about their values and acting as role models, fostering a sense of optimism and shared purpose. It's about creating a culture with tangible shared understandings, not just motivational talk. Leaders must invest time and effort into nurturing their people, reinforcing the culture to resist dilution, and aligning values with actions to simplify decision-making. Southwest Airlines is another example where culture-driven decisions led to success. When other airlines started charging for baggage, Southwest resisted because it conflicted with their mission. Their commitment to free bags won them greater market share, showing that culture can lead to positive outcomes. Maintaining a thriving culture requires leaders to continually invest in and embody it. When people are motivated by their culture, they can overcome great challenges. The right culture enables individuals to achieve their potential, providing a sense of purpose and belonging. Positive leaders create cultures that transform groups into teams and individuals into champions for collective goals, which is the essence of what every great leader strives to achieve.
book.moreChapters
