There’s no shortage of negativity, especially in business. But there are plenty of ways you can spread positive vibes to counter all that bad energy. And thankfully, just as negativity is contagious, positivity is too – leading to increased motivation, better collaboration and higher productivity in your business. Here are five strategies I use that can help you change your mindset and influence the people in your work network to do the same.
Pay It Forward
Paying it forward is when you receive a good deed and, instead of returning the favor, you pass it on to the next person who may be in need of what you can provide.
Since I have received considerable help from other more experienced businesspeople whose assistance, advice, and connections proved invaluable when I was launching my first business, I pay it forward by doing the same for other entrepreneurs and freelancers who are starting out and could use similar guidance. I felt good having someone help me, but I really have enjoyed watching how my assistance has led to others’ success.
Practice Patience
Stress makes it easy to get flustered or irritable. I have had many high-stress moments like this: when I’m stuck in traffic on the busy roads in and around Silicon Valley, at the airport when I am running to catch a plane, or at work with staff that aren’t getting the job done as fast as I would like. If I lose my patience, I negatively impact others’ perception of me as a leader. I also inadvertently tell my employees that a culture of negativity is acceptable when it’s clearly not.
But by taking a deep breath and counting to 10, I relax quickly and am able to avoid a negative response. This simple exercise not only calms me down, but also relieves stress. A calm demeanor and outlook is infectious, helping to promote a positive culture and message about the company and my own brand.
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John Rampton is the founder of Palo Alto, California-based Due, a free online invoicing company specializing in helping businesses bill their clients easily online. You can connect with him @johnrampton.
BusinessCollective, launched in partnership with Citi, is a virtual mentorship program powered by North America’s most ambitious young thought leaders, entrepreneurs, executives and small business owners.