University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
The Power of Positive Leadership
Book

The Power of Positive Leadership

How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World

Jon Gordon
Wiley, 2017
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Editorial Rating

7

Recommendation

Practicing positive leadership enables you to create a healthy organizational culture and cohesive teams. Positivity increases your ability to succeed and to meet life’s challenges. Positive leadership comes from having faith in the future and the resolve to solve difficult problems. Jon Gordon, who also wrote The Energy Bus among his other bestsellers, explains why positive people tend to work harder, make more money and succeed in many industries, including politics and sports. Gordon packs his advice with observations and case studies. His basic and occasionally profound advice will encourage leaders in search of inspiration.

Summary

“Positive leadership” comes from those who have faith in the future.

Approach life positively if you want to accomplish anything significant. When you face inevitable challenges, positive leadership is especially valuable. Positive leadership doesn’t come from pretense or fake optimism. It comes from having faith in the future and sufficient resolve to find solutions to difficult problems.

Duke University business professors Manju Puri and David Robinson find that hopeful people put more effort into their work. They earn more and do better in politics and in sports. Those who see the bright side strive to envision and create a better future even as others grumble or seek to subvert more optimistic plans.

On the other hand, optimists have so much faith in a bright future that they may ignore inconvenient facts. They persuade themselves that if they only work tirelessly, they can create a happier tomorrow.

Positive – but balanced – leaders work to create a sense of hope. Their faith in the future enables them to attain their goals. They acknowledge that pessimism prevents some employees and institutions from achieving their potential...

About the Author

Jon Gordon has written 17 books, including The Energy Bus, One Word That Will Change Your Life, The Carpenter and The Energy Bus for Kids.

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