Every leader has been there. You’re in a meeting, deep in conversation with a colleague, or just driving alone, lost in thought. Then, out of nowhere, a negative thought creeps in like an unwelcome intruder.
It doesn’t announce itself. It simply whispers: Hey, remember that one thing that upsets you? I’m here to ruin your whole day.
Before you know it, your entire attitude shifts. You feel frustrated, moody, and suddenly crave the worst junk food you can find. You give in, thinking it will help, only to realize that the negativity has only deepened. Then comes the question: How did I get here?
This mental battle isn’t unique to leadership, but for those who lead, it holds even greater weight. Leaders don’t just navigate their own emotions; they influence the mindset and morale of those around them. If you allow negative thoughts to dominate, your attitude as a leader shifts, and with it, so does the energy of your team, your workplace, and even your personal life.
The attitude of leadership isn’t about pretending negativity doesn’t exist—it’s about mastering the discipline to rise above it.
The Fight Against Negativity
One of the greatest challenges in leadership is not allowing negativity to take root. Negative thoughts are persistent and destructive, eroding confidence, focus, and purpose. They demand no effort—they simply arrive, often at the worst moments.
For me, the battle often comes in the form of self-doubt and overanalyzing. A coaching conversation with a team member might go well, but later, as I reflect, my mind turns against me:
That conversation went terribly.
They’re probably going to quit now.
You upset them with that one comment and ruined everything.
This internal dialogue can be paralyzing if left unchecked. If I allow it to spiral, it affects my attitude and, ultimately, my leadership. Suddenly, I hesitate to have difficult but necessary conversations. I become reluctant to seek feedback or, worse, get defensive when I receive it.
Leaders must recognize this pattern and break it before it becomes a habit.
The Attitude of Leadership
As a leader, your attitude is contagious. Whether you realize it or not, people take their cues from you. If you project negativity, defensiveness, or doubt, it spreads. A leader who lacks control over their mindset will struggle to inspire confidence in others.
Maintaining a positive attitude of leadership requires effort. Unlike negative thoughts, which show up uninvited, positive thoughts must be cultivated. You have to be intentional. You have to fight for them. And yes, sometimes, you literally have to tell yourself to be positive.
If you catch yourself slipping into negativity, say—out loud if you have to—I choose a positive mindset. Repeat it until your thoughts shift. It may sound simple, but it works.
A leader’s mindset isn’t just about what they think; it’s about what they reinforce. As Lao Tzu wisely said:
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
This is the foundation of leadership. It’s not about forcing optimism but about choosing resilience. It’s about acknowledging difficulties while deciding to approach them with strength, clarity, and purpose.
The Power of Choosing Your Thoughts
Many believe thoughts are uncontrollable—that they come and go as they please. While it’s true that thoughts arise naturally, what you do with them is entirely within your control. The best leaders train themselves to recognize negative thinking and redirect it before it dictates their attitude.
When a negative thought enters your mind, ask yourself:
Is this thought based on fact or assumption?
Does dwelling on this thought serve me or my team?
What is a more constructive way to view this situation?
This shift takes practice, but it’s a skill every leader must develop.
The Optimist’s Edge
Winston Churchill once said:
The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Your mindset determines your leadership effectiveness. If you focus on obstacles, you’ll find them everywhere. If you train yourself to see possibilities, you’ll create them. The attitude of leadership is about making this choice every single day.
So, ask yourself: How will you let your thoughts influence your attitude? Will you allow negativity to dictate your leadership, or will you take control and lead with strength?
The choice is yours.
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