Be a More Positive Leader - Emerging Nurse Leader

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

If we look at the volatility in healthcare today, it is easy to become discouraged and negative. Many leadership discussions begin and end with a focus on budget and performance metrics and sometimes the news is not good. Staying positive and upbeat can be challenging in a leadership role yet it is critical for our own health and that of our staff. In his work on engagement and positive thinking, the late Don Clifton (father of the psychology movement toward positivity) often noted the power that leaders can bring to their work environments by spending the majority of time focusing on the positives of individuals and situations. He observed that 90% of people want to work for bosses that are positive and adopt the “glass half full” versus “half empty” mentality. Followers look to their leaders for hope and optimism. Positive thinking is powerful in leadership especially in today’s health care environment. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, has found that positivity can be learned by fostering micro-moments of positivity that result in greater overall well-being.

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
Expect things to go well
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

Staying positive leads to higher levels of happiness and success. Yes there will ALWAYS be challenges but it is how you choose to respond to them that matters. Leaders who are upbeat in the face of negativity are ones that all nurses want to follow.

Read to Lead

Rath, T. & Clifton, D.O. How full is your bucket? New York: Gallup Press.

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