I don’t know about you, but I frequently sense something different about people when Friday arrives. They have more bounce in their step, more enthusiasm in their voice and their smile turns up just a bit more in the corners of their mouths. As a salesman, I always enjoy calling prospects on Friday, because they seem more relaxed and easier to communicate with. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make every workday like Friday? Well, why not give it a try? First of all, you have to understand that all that you can control is your attitude. Too often people behave as if they want to control everything that goes on around them. The truth is you can’t. What’s going on around you is out of your hands, but how you react to those situations is important!
It is football season in America and recently I read something that made a very positive impression on me. During a past season a professional football player’s team was having a terrible season, losing week after week after week. A reporter asked the player how he stayed motivated to play hard and give his best when his team lost almost every game. He responded, ‘My dad is watching that game. My mom is watching that game. You better believe I’m going to do my best!’ He recognized that there was more at stake than just winning or losing football games. People, important people, were watching, and that reality always drove him to do his best. That fellow had it right. In the midst of a challenging professional environment, he maintained a positive attitude that others could follow.
Having a positive attitude can be infectious and help light the way for those around you. You will feel secure, be more confident and therefore more satisfied and productive. If you want to be a positive influence, you simply need a positive attitude. A positive attitude can help lead people. A negative attitude may drive productivity in the short term, but will eventually drive them away. Negativity creates an environment of fear and distrust.
Do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl? No, they put it on a lampstand, and allow it illuminate the room. It is vital to let your positive attitude light the way for others. Let your example be a beacon of good deeds, loving concern, and effective communication (clear, concise, seeking a response, and “hearing what they say” to you). Others will follow because it is appealing, encouraging and inspiring.
Do not tear others down by attacking them with careless, self-satisfying, harsh words or by just ignoring them. Everyone makes mistakes. It is far better to view others as people, just like you are, and not as objects without feelings, fears, or ability to feel pain. So pause and be thoughtful before launching your arrows. As leaders, you also ought to be lovers. People respond to love far better than destructive criticism.
Encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Always show them that you appreciate them and their efforts by using positive body language; and be sure to let others know about their good work!
Let them know that you care about them personally and that their success is important. It is vital to understand them by listening intentionally and responding positively when they are struggling. Let them know that you want them to do well, enjoy their work and have the courage to take risks by giving them responsibility and authority.
Lead by example by being out front and doing both the exciting tasks and those that are done in the backyard and backcountry where no one is watching. You will inspire your team and motivate them to be more productive and more satisfied with their work.
People are watching and listening to you.The question is, what are they hearing and seeing?