What is Positive Leadership?

Positive Leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes positivity, strengths, and the promotion of positive organizational outcomes. It is based on the principles of Positive Psychology, which is the scientific study of human flourishing and the factors that contribute to well-being.

Positive Leadership involves creating positive work environments, fostering positive relationships between leaders and subordinates, and focusing on employees' strengths and potential rather than their weaknesses. Positive leaders aim to create a culture of positivity, where employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged.

Some of the key characteristics of Positive Leadership include:

Authenticity: Positive leaders are genuine and transparent in their interactions with others. They build trust and respect by being honest and open about their intentions and values.

Emotional Intelligence: Positive leaders are attuned to the emotions and needs of their employees. They are skilled at managing their own emotions and are able to create a positive emotional climate for their team.

Resilience: Positive leaders are able to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. They have a growth mindset and are able to find opportunities for learning and growth in difficult situations.

Empowerment: Positive leaders empower their employees by giving them autonomy, support, and resources to achieve their goals. They delegate responsibility and encourage creativity and innovation.

Positive Reinforcement: Positive leaders use positive reinforcement to motivate and reward their employees. They recognize and celebrate successes and create a culture of appreciation and recognition.

Positive Leadership has been shown to have a number of benefits for organizations, including increased productivity, higher employee engagement, and improved well-being. It is a leadership approach that can be applied in a variety of settings and can help create a more positive and thriving workplace.

There are many companies that have successfully implemented Positive Leadership ethos and have seen positive results in terms of employee engagement, well-being, and organizational outcomes. Here are a few examples:

Zappos: Zappos, the online shoe and clothing retailer, is known for its strong culture of positivity and employee engagement. The company's CEO, Tony Hsieh, has emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment and has implemented a number of initiatives to promote employee well-being, including free lunches, on-site wellness programs, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

Google: Google is another company that has placed a strong emphasis on positive leadership. The company's leaders have implemented a number of initiatives to promote employee well-being, including on-site wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Google has also created a positive work environment by fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

Patagonia: Patagonia, the outdoor clothing and gear company, is known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The company's leaders have also emphasized the importance of positive leadership and have implemented a number of initiatives to promote employee well-being and engagement. These initiatives include on-site childcare, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines is known for its strong culture of positivity and employee engagement. The company's leaders have emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment and have implemented a number of initiatives to promote employee well-being, including on-site wellness programs, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a focus on employee recognition and appreciation.

These are just a few examples of companies that have successfully implemented Positive Leadership. Many other organizations have also embraced this approach and have seen positive results in terms of employee engagement, well-being, and organizational outcomes. 

For people who are interested to know more, International Institute of Positive Psychology offers a Post Graduate Program in Positive Leadership and Stakeholder engagement.