As professionals in the financial services industry, where challenges are the norm and uncertainties abound, we know the impact ‘mindset’ can have on us and the people we lead. A positive mindset is an invaluable asset, but it isn’t necessarily something we are taught to develop. I practice several strategies to help cultivate my own positivity and put myself, as I call it, “in the place of what is possible.”
Finding the good during challenging times.
There will be times that test our resolve. During those times, an effective tool I have used is a daily list of “silver linings.” On the list are good things that happened, moments of joy, and my big and small achievements. When I acknowledged and recorded these silver linings, my focus shifted from the difficulties to the wins and helped me replace frustration with gratitude. The list also helped shift my perspective, providing new ideas and strategies to solve the challenge.
Spread positivity.
As a mother, I always try to model the behavior I want my children to emulate. I also apply this tactic professionally and, in both cases, it begins (and ends) with kindness. I have seen how focusing on the well-being of those around us can shift energy in a room or on a team. And it has a ripple effect. By contributing to the well-being of others, we not only lift those around us, but we enhance our own sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Navigate challenges with grace.
Optimism is not only about seeing the glass as half-full; it's a powerful tool for building resilience. Incorporating what we know to be growth mindset characteristics — learning from setbacks to adapt and evolve — into a positive outlook is important to our personal and professional growth. And choosing to view challenges as opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles does not mean we are ignoring the negative; it means we have empowered ourselves with the best tools to navigate adversity. And we show others how to do that, too.
Intentionality: A key to personal and leadership growth.
Intentionality involves pausing to consider a desired outcome before communicating or deciding on the action you will take. As women leaders, doing this can help us stay focused on our big goals and foster a healthy work environment. Leaders who communicate optimistically, even in the face of challenges, build a sense of confidence within their team. True leadership is motivating and inspiring people to be their best, and you cannot inspire without positivity.
On my teams, I try to catch team members doing good work and acknowledge it immediately. I also provide timely feedback following the Situation-Behavior-Impact model, which I find provides an effective, positive-oriented construct for me to deliver coaching.
You have the power.
The power of a positive mindset cannot be overstated; in work, it is one of the few things we can truly control! I hope you find this perspective as empowering as I do, and will challenge yourself to embrace positivity, practice kindness and lead with optimism. Together, we are developing teams that not only weather challenges but emerge stronger and more resilient than before.
