Positive Moods and Attitudes are Contagious!

I recently had the best hotel breakfast ever and it wasn’t because of the food - it was the people who served it!  I actually got to see - in action - a leadership concept that I often discuss with my clients. I call it the “shadow of the leader” and it’s backed by neuroscience.  Moods travel between people.

I’m not a morning person, but this breakfast made me one.  When I arrived, the main server cheerfully explained my options and went out of his way to make sure I had everything I needed. His big smile and happy demeanor told me he loved what he was doing. When I thanked him for being so friendly he said with a big smile, “That’s our job. We figure that if we can do our jobs cheerfully and with a smile, it will make our customers smile and start their day off right!”

Boy was he right!  The entire dining room seemed to be buzzing with positivity.

It reminded me that we all cast a shadow that affects those around us and when it is positive, it makes a huge impact on the people we lead. Here are a few tips on how you can create a positive shadow by cultivating a positive attitude in your leadership.

1. Take a self-inventory and shift your mindset.

Are you primarily focused on the negatives or do you tend to see the silver linings in challenging situations? Work to shift your mindset towards a more positive outlook to create a foundation for a positive attitude.

2. Practice gratitude and kindness.

Consciously acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, and of the people around you can make a big difference.  Like the hotel breakfast crew,  greeting people with warmth, offering genuine compliments, and actively listening is a great start. People will begin to model your behavior.

3. Share inspiring stories and encouragement.

Stories have a unique ability to touch people's hearts and minds. Use the power of storytelling to inspire and uplift others. What stories can you share of resilience, success, and personal growth that can ignite a spark of positivity in those who hear them?

A positive attitude is a contagious force that can transform our workplaces and motivate and inspire those around us. What can you do to start spreading it today?

By the way, the breakfast crew let me snap their picture, so I wanted to celebrate them by including it in my post!