There have been hundreds of articles written on the power of positive thinking. The experts have discovered that positive thinking has a powerful effect on our bodies and minds. This holds true both at home and in the workplace. Positivity brings about better coping skills, stronger collaboration, and even a more productive workforce. What is the power of positive thinking and how can you leverage it with your workforce?
What is the Power of Positive Thinking?
The Mayo Clinic says “Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health.” Positive thinking means you approach life’s unpleasant aspects more productively and positively. Instead of thinking the worst about a situation and giving up, you put your next foot forward and tackle the hurdle with the best attitude you can muster.
The health benefits of positive thinking, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
- Lowered depression.
- Lowered distress and pain.
- Better psychological and physical health.
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions.
- Better able to manage stress.
While all of these benefits are great for individual health, can managers use the power of positive thinking at work to improve culture and the environment?
How Can You Promote Positive Thinking at Work?
An optimistic attitude offers mental and physical benefits. At work, this approach can create a more enjoyable workplace with less conflict and greater collaboration. Maintaining a positive outlook means you focus on areas of improvement and goals more than you worry about the challenges of achieving them. How can managers and team leaders bring positive thinking to the workplace?
- Acknowledge even the small successes every day. Your teams should have large goals broken into increments but individuals should also set milestones to achieve. Finding several small achievements to celebrate sets a more positive tone at work.
- Work to learn lessons from every situation. If your team finishes a project, do a retrospective meeting to look back on what you learned and what you can take forward to the next task.
- Create a positive work environment. Hire positive people into your team. Have managers create a culture of carrot, and not the stick. Spread positive messages every day and keep an open door to help your workforce solve problems and challenges.
- Use positive language in your company interactions. Great words to work into your messaging include: Optimistic; progress; success; rewarding; energized; kind.
- Thank your teams. Lead by example and show your workforce the generosity and positive praise that signals you believe in them and appreciate their work. Express your gratitude and encourage others to do the same.
Negativity never lifts anyone up, in fact, it does the opposite. Your organization should work hard to promote a more positive workplace and reap the benefits of stronger relationships with your employees and more productive teams. Stellar Staffing believes in the power of positivity. We look for candidates that exhibit the kind of positive attitudes you need on your teams. Contact us to find out how we can help your reach your hiring goals this year.
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