The Power of Positive Thinking - Emerging Nurse Leader

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Henry Ford

I was recently talking with a young graduate student who was genuinely interested in trying to improve her interactions with others. She recognized that she was not being perceived as a high potential emerging leader. She asked me for a candid assessment of what areas she should work on to improve. I had always found her to be extremely bright and highly motivated. What I had also noticed was that she could be quite negative in her thinking and responses to others. She acknowledged that she had always been a “glass half empty” kind of person. This is a problem when you realize that followers look to their leaders for hope and optimism. Positive thinking is powerful in leadership especially in today’s health care environment.

Why Positive Thinking in Health Care Matters

Today’s health care environment is both complex and ambiguous. As staff read about health reform, they worry about what the future might hold. They look to leaders to help frame the conversation that they are listening to. In doing this, leaders have a choice. They can focus on the uncertainty about what is happening or on the potential of what the new changes could bring.

All of us affect, and are affected by the people we meet, in one way or another either negatively or positively. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level, through our words, thoughts and feelings, and through body language. Negative reactions and thoughts by leaders are extremely de-energizing to followers. They can lead to hopelessness and depression. There are always silver linings in any situation and the leader needs to be the first to help everyone see what they are. An optimistic attitude and outlook can be very energizing and contagious. It will motivate your staff to do their best. You need to expect success if you are to achieve it.

Ways to Become a More Positive Thinker

What if you are a “glass half empty” type of thinker. Negativity can be a powerful habit that needs to be changed. How can you change this? You will need to be intentional in trying to improve your attitude. Remez Sasson offers the following good suggestions:

Choose to be positive
Monitor your responses and seek to use positive words and phrases
Smile more – it conveys optimism
Expect favorable results
Gain an awareness of your thoughts – when you have negative thoughts – force yourself to look for the bright side in the situation
Ask for help from a trusted peer to give you feedback on your progress
Meditate and use positive affirmations
Read inspiring stories or watch a happy movie
Visit patients who are recovering from serious illnesses and have a positive attitude – this can put life into perspective
Stay away from negative people

Read to Lead

Peale, Norman Vincent (2011 paperback version). The Power of Positive Thinking. Ishi Press