Leading through change and crisis isn’t easy, but it becomes much more manageable with a positive mindset and a focus on positive reappraisal. Not only that, but it’s an opportunity to strengthen your team and your leadership skills.
It’s no secret that we live in a world of constant change and uncertainty. As leaders, it’s not just our job to manage these challenges – it’s our responsibility to navigate them successfully. But why do some leaders seem to thrive in chaos while others struggle?
The answer is in the mindset.
Effective leadership is more than making tough decisions or setting strategic goals. It’s about fostering a positive environment that empowers your team to adapt and innovate. Yet, in the face of adversity, maintaining that positive outlook can feel like a Herculean task.
Negative thinking can quickly creep in, leading to decreased morale, productivity, and, ultimately, success. That’s why the key to effective leadership, particularly during times of change or crisis, is cultivating a positive mindset and encouraging positive reappraisal among your team.
Positive reappraisal is a cognitive process that involves reframing a negative situation in a way that highlights potential benefits or opportunities. It doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or sugar-coating the situation. Instead, it’s about shifting perspective to see the situation as a chance to learn, grow, and innovate.
What Can Be Done to Develop a Positive Mindset?
By recommending positive reappraisal, please know I’m not suggesting you happy-unicorn-butterfly-Holly-go-lightly bs the situation. Instead, this is about intentionally reframing what you’re faced with to remain effective.
Too often, change, chaos, and uncertainty overwhelm us to the point of paralysis (a.k.a. the freeze response or autopilot setting) and keep us from moving toward the life, business, or team we want.
So, how do you cultivate a positive mindset and encourage positive reappraisal in your team?
- Clarify your Span of Control. Shocker, right? Don’t waste your time and energy trying to change circumstances you can’t control. Even if you can’t change a stressful situation, you have a choice when it comes to how you respond. Accepting what you cannot change allows you to focus on the things you can control. #SpanOfControl
- Focus on what matters. Understand what matters to you—your core values, your purpose. What are the most important parts of your life today? Family? Fitness? Finances? Faith? Work? Community? Self-development? The legacy you want to leave? Focus your time and attention on the one or two things that matter most. Having too many priorities leads to overwhelm and overload! As we say in fighter aviation: “If you lose sight, you lose the fight.”
- Use action to conquer fear. Fear, anger, and disappointment can paralyze us, especially after a severe setback. It’s human nature to assign blame rather than generate solutions. But fear doesn’t have to hold you back. Get rid of all of the I-can’ts, Yeah-buts, I-should- haves, and I’ll-never-be-able-tos. Focus on solutions, not setbacks.
- Lead by example. As a leader, your team looks to you for guidance. Your team will likely follow suit if you approach challenges with a positive mindset. This isn’t about faking positivity, but genuinely adopting a more optimistic outlook. Recognize the difficulties, but focus on solutions and opportunities.
- Encourage flexibility and adaptability. Change is often met with resistance. It’s uncomfortable and scary. But it’s also inevitable. Encourage your team to view change as an opportunity for growth. Foster a culture that values flexibility and adaptability, and rewards innovative thinking.
- Promote open communication. During times of crisis or change, communication becomes even more critical. Encourage your team to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Let them know their voice matters. This can lead to a sense of empowerment, which fosters a positive mindset.
- Practice empathy. As a leader, it’s essential to understand the emotions and concerns of your team. Empathetic leadership can help you connect with your team on a deeper level, leading to improved morale and increased positivity.
- Implement stress management strategies. Stress can fuel negativity. Implement strategies to help your team manage stress, such as mindfulness exercises, regular breaks, and team-building activities. In addition, promote a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.
- Celebrate wins, big and small. Recognize and celebrate your team’s achievements, no matter how small. This can foster a sense of accomplishment and positivity within your team.
- Nurture resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and to keep going in the face of challenges. As a leader, it’s your job to nurture resilience in your team. This might mean providing resources and training, but it also means supporting your team when things get tough.
BONUS: Foster a culture of positivity: This goes beyond just your own mindset. As a leader, you have the power to shape the culture of your team or organization. Foster a culture that values positivity, optimism, and a growth mindset.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind When Leading Through Uncertainty
Getting caught up in the details and forgetting the big picture is easy. So instead, remind your team (and yourself) of the bigger vision and how every challenge is just a step towards that goal. This can help to maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
Remember, a positive mindset and positive reappraisal aren’t just about feeling good.
They’re tools for navigating change and crisis effectively. They’re about seeing the potential in every situation and inspiring your team to do the same.
Find a way to remain positive by being forward-looking; think of obstacles as opportunities. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is artificial optimism; this is part of the mindset of a fearless leader.
So, embrace the power of positivity and lead your team with confidence and optimism. In doing so, you’ll not only navigate the storm but also come out stronger on the other side.
Carey Lohrenz, keynote speaker, female fighter pilot, on Leading Through Change
