A Positive Attitude! Give Up Toxic Distractions That Undermine Your Leadership (Part 2)
Last week, we had a look at how you can clear your mind from 5 toxic distractions that block your leadership success.
Of course, some of these toxic distractions directly impact what you do.
But others are more subtle. They slowly change your behaviour, erode your positive attitude and, over time, have a lasting effect on your confidence.
Mental patterns can damage your sense of self-worth and result in you leading from a place of limitation. But leadership requires a positive attitude!
In this next part of the series, we’re going to get to know these toxic distractions and see how a positive attitude can impact the way you lead, and the way you live.
Here’s the second part of the series to help you give up toxic distractions that undermine your leadership.
Fear v. inspiration
Fear is common for us human beings. But when it impacts the way you act, it’s time to reset and asses if your reactions are driven by fear, or your will to grow.
What should you do? Restore your positive attitude and be open to inspiration.
When the day-to-day becomes challenging, can you spot the situations where you retreat back into your comfort zone? Instead, can you seek guidance? Can you focus on the next step, and mitigate the risk around it?
Any decision based on fear is unlikely to result in expansion. Great leaders create a team ecosystem to inspire and motivate. They know that challenges are there to unleash inspiration, rather than assign blame.
Reaction v. awareness
When your emotional reality takes over, it’s likely that stress will dictate your brain’s response, instead of a set of cognitive abilities.
What should you do? Re-focus on what’s happening now. Park your worries — even if they’re fully valid — and balance your emotional state. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of being able to shift perspective.
Can you find the one thing that could move your state towards a more positive attitude? Can you provide a well-thought-out response, instead of a default snap (that is not necessarily your best ally as a leader!)?
Overworked / stressed v. prioritisation
The era where “long hours” = “good work” is over (or so I hope). As we get more insight into what makes us performant, it’s clear that a positive attitude, being healthy and creating space for restoration are critical to success as a team leader.
What should you do? Fight cognitive overload (for yourself and your team). Can you prioritise tasks in a way that supports performance, instead of pushing through with little productivity? Can you spot when you’re getting tired in advance and take a break before exhaustion?
Do you promote a culture where performance equals quality of work and relationships, as opposed to numbers? Do you use mindfulness as a path for meaningful interactions?
Related: Why playing is important to help leaders relax
Know it all v. humble student
We used to live in workplaces where the highest rank was the most knowledgeable for a specific area of work. But, in the sharing economy, knowledge is not about what you know anymore. It’s about how fast you get it and use it.
What should you do? Advocate a growth mindset. A growth mindset makes a better leader and is the best example of a positive attitude; each setback is an invitation to learn.
Do you see work as continuous learning? Do you work on your own development objectives? Do you support your team in their development by helping them achieve development plans that last?
Want to move from confused to influential leader? Download this FREE e-book to discover 3 practical steps to build trust in yourself and inspiration in others.
Lack of appreciation v. grateful
Recognition has a massive effect on employee engagement. How often do you say “thanks”? Do you congratulate a team member who went the extra mile for everyone? Do you take the time to acknowledge a job well done? These are simple ways to invite a positive attitude and ensure the negatives don’t get air time!
You think leadership is part of your work life only? Give it a second thought.
Your attitude towards fear, stress and even emotions is part of a wider set of brain patterns. If repeated, they become the norm… and surface both at work and in life!
Highly successful people stay positive. By eliminating some simple distractions, you can kill two birds with one stone: become a betterleader for your people, and improve the way you lead yourself.
What is the ONE distraction you’d like to get rid of? Share your story below!
This article was originally published at: http://www.coraliesawruk.com/positive-attitude/
