Over the next few months, I will be breaking down my 12 principles of effective leadership. These principles are the basis for my upcoming book, “On Purpose.” I think it’s safe to say that we tend to over-analyze and over-complicate leadership and life in general. As one of my mentors, John Maxwell says, “Leadership is simply having the ability to influence others.” Finding significance in life and developing the capacity to positively influence others is really all about humility and an unwavering and intentional desire to add value to those around you. Though it was difficult to narrow these principles down, I believe these 12 principles are the keys to the kingdom that will open the door to more effective relationships, influence, satisfaction and ultimately…significance for your life. This is my small way of adding value to you. I hope you find it helpful and encouraging. Enjoy!
The Principle of Positivity
I just love this Merriam-Webster definition on “positivity.” – “Indicating, relating to, or characterized by affirmation, addition, inclusion, or presence rather than negation, withholding, or absence.” When you think about your ability to positively influence others, would they characterize your actions as affirming, additive, inclusive and present, or might they occasionally sense some negativity, withholding and overall absence even when you are present? We are all drawn to people who are positive. There is plenty of scientific and psychological evidence behind the reasons why we respond to positivity and I outline much of that research in my upcoming book, but the short version is that being positive generates an energy of hope and excitement. It creates an atmosphere of anticipation and encouragement. What’s the first thought you have when you wake up each day? Is it “Today is going to be a great day, I just know it.” or is it “Here we go again…same junk, different drawer.” Life is tough enough when you have a positive attitude but think of how much harder it seems when you take the “glass half empty” approach to most things. We all know a person or two who seems to inevitably find the looming tornado in every cloud rather than the silver lining, don’t we? Isn’t it true that we tend to avoid those folks? Of course we do! Have you ever noticed how positive people seem to always be in the right place at the right time? Get the big promotion? The harder they try, the luckier they get, huh? Not always, but take a minute and think of the most successful, happy people you know. Notice I said, “happy” as well. Positive people don’t measure success the way everyone else does. It’s not about their bank accounts or fancy cars. It’s about being that change they want to see in the world around them. Being positive doesn’t guarantee success but it guarantees that come what may, we will take what life gives us and be a ray of sunlight in the darkest of caverns. People flock to that type of positivity. When we lead from a position of positivity, we set the tone for the atmosphere. Like I tell my six year old son, we don’t always get to choose what takes place from day to day, but we can always choose our attitude. Living a life “On Purpose” begins and ends with a positive attitude. As I chronicle the remaining 11 principles over the coming months, please remember that none of these additional principles can be successful tools for you without a positive attitude! It’s a choice. Choose wisely! Next up…The Principle of Possibilities.