Are You Positive?

It is not surprising that a positive attitude helps maintain a healthy work environment, but it may surprise some to learn that positive language can actually encourage creativity and positive actions at the office. Words, body language, and tone are interpreted as “attitude,” and a simple change in word choice can have a big impact.

Creativity is a key component of successful teams and businesses, including those in the multifamily industry. A positive atmosphere at the office promotes creativity, creativity spurs innovation, and more often than not innovation brings about improved performance.

So, how can managers turn on the positivity and reap the rewards?

Positive language will quickly fuel a positive attitude and is a surefire way to drive positive actions. It sounds like a simple premise to “speak positively,” but in practice it takes concentration and effort. A recent article from Harvard Business Review discussed a positive language program from Jim Wiltens, a speaker who teaches a positivity program for gifted and talented children. Jim never says the words, “I can’t.” He even offers money to students if they hear him use those words. Teaching young people to think around “I can’t” opens up their mind to the possibility of “I can” and thus feeds creative energy. This same shift in thinking can occur in the office with the simple premise of possibility and positivity.

The HBR article also took a look at Hearst Magazine’s president Cathie Black and her belief that negative speech patterns were not only killing creativity but fueling a negative environment. Black challenged her executive team to lose the negative speech and added a monetary fine for top leaders for using phrases like, “we’ve tried that already” or “that will not work.”  The fine was small, but after enforced a couple of times the negative language was disappearing and positive speech patterns and creativity started to flow.

Here are some simple phrases to consider in lieu of negative ones like, “I can’t” or “It won’t work”:

• How could we do this?
• Where could we get help to do this?
• Let’s look at it from a different angle.
• I can certainly give it my best.
• I can and I will.

And to really test out positive language as a supervisor, try some of these phrases in response to your team:

• That is a fantastic idea.
• You surely will be able to do it.
• I absolutely believe in your ability.

The power of positive words is not anecdotal; there is hard science behind the results seen when negative or positive language is utilized. Andrew Newberg, M.D. stated in a recent article in Psychology Today that if you put a person into an MRI Scanner and flash the word “No” for less than a second, the MRI will read a sudden release of dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters. This change in brain chemistry will interrupt the normal functioning of the brain, impairing logic, reason, and communication skills. And in turn, positive words and thoughts, “propel the motivational centers of the brain” and help build resilience when faced with challenges.

Kara Rice, Grace Hill co-founder and CIO, suggests practicing some simple tips to turn on your positive language:

1. Pause to gather your thoughts before speaking. Don’t let your mouth move before your brain has chosen the most positive words.
2. Use a person’s name frequently in conversation. It adds to a feeling of intimacy and sincerity.
3. Strive to say “yes” more often than you say “no.”
4. Lead by example with an upbeat, energetic demeanor. Expect those around you to focus on the positive as well.

Put positive language to the test and see how fast creativity and an encouraging work environment appear.