To get the ball rolling at the beginning of presentations, I share my cellphone number and ask people to text me fun questions. Serious questions come later.
2 fun questions I recently received:
Question #1: What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
This question comes from the movie, “Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail.” I wasn’t sure at the time, but after some research I discovered that it’s 24 miles per hour. (Style)
Question#2: Is a hotdog a sandwich?
A hotdog is NOT a sandwich. (NHDSC)
7 ways to help people pivot from negative to positive.
A serous question: As a leader, how do you help people become more positive?
#1. Listen to concerns.
Having concerns isn’t negativity. But don’t make promises you can’t keep. Negativity will escalate until concerns are heard.
Blind optimism isn’t positive leadership.
#2. Pivot from negative to positive. Say, “I see what we can’t do. What could we try?”
#3. Use the Bob the Builder method. The question, “Can we fix it?” helps shift thinking. (How to See the Bad and Pursue the Good)
#4. Begin meetings with affirmations and celebrations.
- Where are we winning?
- When I see you at your best …
- You’re really good at …
#5. Practice positive leadership.
Be positive if you expect positivity from others.
- Define positive leadership.
- Seek feedback on the positivity or negativity of your leadership.
- Adopt behaviors that energize people.
- Avoid complaining about negative people.
#6. Explore the value of positive energy.
- How important is energizing people to you?
- How might we make energizing people more important?
- How might we face harsh realities with positive energy?
#7. Give feedback on the impact of negativity.
“When you (name behavior), it drains me.” After feedback, employ #6 above. (Always speak for yourself when giving feeback.)
How might leaders help people pivot from negative to positive?
Bonus:
Building a Positive Team (MindTools)
