Many people have heard that attitudes are contagious. Often, the focus ends up on sayings like “misery loves company.” However, the opposite is also true, particularly when company leaders are the source of inspiration.

A positive mindset is just as contagious, if not more so. Plus, it’s effective on multiple levels. Along with helping the leader accomplish more, it can boost team success in ways that negativity simply can’t. As a result, it’s a potent tool in any leader’s arsenal.

Fortunately, anyone can learn from the strategies that positive leaders often use. Here’s a look at the practices and traits that positive leaders typically have in common.

Authenticity Is the Name of the Game

With positive leaders, authenticity is often the name of the game. Their primary aim is to act in ways that align with their core values, giving each decision and action extra meaning. Plus, they act with integrity, embracing honesty and transparency as they move through the workplace.

Essentially, authentic leaders follow specific tenets. Along with keeping their actions and decisions consistent, this quickly leads to greater trust. Employees know what to expect and understand that they can count on their manager, creating a positive environment for all.

Recognition Is Part of Their Team Culture

Positive leaders can have high expectations, just like any other manager. However, they’re also quick to celebrate wins, all while ensuring credit is given whenever it’s due. Additionally, they’ll actively champion their teams, making sure that other company leaders are fully aware of how amazing each employee is and why they deserve recognition.

With that approach, team morale typically flourishes. Employees never doubt if they’re valued. Further, they know that their contributions are attributed to them, allowing them to benefit more from their hard work and top-tier performance.

Forgiveness and Compassion Are Part of the Equation

As mentioned above, positive leaders can expect a lot from their teams. However, when there’s a misstep, the response typically involves forgiveness and compassion. Positive leaders don’t aim to chastise. Instead, they investigate what occurred and work with the employee to find viable solutions moving forward, adopting a coaching mindset more often than not.

Additionally, positive leaders aren’t inclined to hold grudges. Instead, after a mistake is addressed, they move on without hesitation. As long as the same incident doesn’t arise again, they typically won’t bring up the error again if it isn’t necessary, ensuring everyone can focus on moving forward instead of what happened in the past.

Getting Involved Is Always an Option on the Table

While positive leaders commonly provide employees with ownership over their work and a degree of autonomy, they also aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and dive in when the situation demands it. If there’s an unexpected change or a tough deadline, they don’t expect their team to shoulder the entire burden. Instead, they step up, offering support, guidance, and expertise, as well as personal effort, to help get the job done. As a result, they earn the respect of their team, leading to higher morale and more loyalty.

In the end, positive leaders do all of that and more, and it positively impacts their team. If you’d like to find out more, the staff at VB wants to hear from you. Contact us today.