Unearthing Hidden Gems: The Quest for Positive Leaders in Your Organisation

Imagine discovering who the standout performers within your company are, the positive leaders who are the rarest jewels—often hidden beneath the surface, yet their brilliance is pivotal for your organisation’s success. To uncover these people, we need to dig deeper than the usual metrics and understand what makes a leader truly shine.

So, what makes positivity such a coveted quality in leadership?

In a study led by Kim Cameron at the University of Michigan, it was found that leaders who focused on positive and virtuous practices produced extraordinary performance in their organisations. These practices weren’t just about being ‘nice’ or ‘happy’—they were rooted in strategic positive reinforcement, creating an environment where positivity could flourish and drive results (Cameron, K., “Positive Leadership,” Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2012).

Positive leaders are those beacons of hope and resilience that keep a team’s spirit alive, even in the face of adversity. They are the people who not only navigate the ship but also ensure that the crew is motivated, engaged, and paddling in unison. 

And, how do you spot these positive leaders within your ranks?

A positive leader is not just someone who smiles in the face of adversity (although that certainly doesn’t hurt). These individuals possess a distinctive blend of emotional intelligence, moral compass, and a passion for fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition. According to a Gallup study, employees who receive regular recognition and praise increase their individual productivity, engagement with colleagues, and loyalty to the company, not to mention higher customer satisfaction scores (Rath, T., “How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life,” Gallup Press, 2004).

And remember,  it’s not all about praise. Positive leadership is also about setting clear expectations and helping each team member see the roadmap to success. It’s about understanding the balance between challenge and skill, much like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow, where employees are most engaged when they are in a state that matches their skill level with the challenge at hand (Csikszentmihalyi, M., “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,” Harper & Row, 1990).

So, where do you find these hidden gems? Often you will notice that their resilience is infectious, their approach is constructive, and their language is inclusive.

The quest for positive leaders in your organisation is more than a search—it’s an investment in the very heart of your company’s culture. By nurturing and recognising these shining examples of leadership, you create a beacon that guides your team to greatness. But how can you consistently identify and support these potential leaders? It’s about having the right tools at your disposal.

Exciting news on the horizon: we’re on the cusp of unveiling the new developments in our Positivity Mapping  platform that will transform how you discover and develop positive leadership within your organisation. This cutting-edge tool is designed to shine a light on the individuals who are your unsung heroes, your hidden gems. Imagine having the ability to not only spot potential but to also track the growth of positivity, resilience, and leadership within your teams.

If you are excited about creating change within your organisation and are ready to  lead the change in fostering a positive corporate culture, …..  Join our waitlist today and we’ll be in touch soon with details on how you can test the tool for yourself and see how it can help identify your future positive leaders.