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.