Are You Projecting a Bleak Outlook?

The news media are, for the most part, the bringers of bad news... and it's not entirely the media's fault, bad news gets higher ratings and sells more papers than good news. 

Peter McWilliams

I'ts so easy to develop a negative outlook.  Every morning newscasters focus on scary stuff.  Their job is to keep you from changing the channel, and frightening stories work.

Unfortunately, if you drive to work listening to negative talk radio, you become negative.  Your mind can easily magnify small problems into  looming disasters. 

And whatever your state of mind when you walk in the door, your employees will notice.  Worse still, some people will observe your posture as you get out of your car.  And if you are beaten down and pessimistic, your attitude is will infect them.

People follow leaders who believe they can make a difference.  And if you feel beaten down by events around you, and start to think you are not able to make a positive difference, you'll lose your followers.

Colin Powell wrote that "they must believe that no matter how bad things look, you can make them better."  Powell was told:

Lieutenant, you may be starving, but you must never show hunger; you always eat last.  You may be freezing or near heat exhaustion  but you must never show that you are cold or hot.  You may be terrified, but you must never show fear.  You are the leader and the troops will reflect your emotions.

Whatever you do, take time before arriving at the office to focus on the bright side.  To remember your positive vision of the future.  To arrive empowered, optimistic, and ready to lead others.