Where's Our Focus?

“A pat on the back is worth a lot more than a kick in the fanny.”
Charles Nirenberg

Earlier this week I was reminded once again how important it is for us to recognize and give attention to good behavior just as much as or even more so than bad behavior. I believe this is true in every walk of life. For some reason, it is so easy for us to take for granted the good and focus on the bad. Good leaders, effective leaders, often focus more on the good in others while letting the inconsequential bad things go. Thus, as leaders, whether at work or at home, to foster progression we need to look at both.

I have learned through experience that appealing to someone’s pride and pointing out the good makes it much easier for me to lead that person and perhaps help them change and overcome the bad. It is human nature to want to be recognized and appreciated. It is also natural to want to try harder and do better when we receive positive feedback and encouragement. This is especially true from someone in authority.

I am not suggesting that we must always turn a blind eye to poor performance or negative behavior. What I am saying though is that if we give at least equal balance to pointing out the good as well as the bad, our ability to truly lead and perhaps alter the behavior or performance of others will greatly increase. In the end, people want to know and feel cared for by others.

Regrettably I was reminded of the importance of this lesson this week because of my own inability to always do it. Pointing out the good as much as or more than the bad is not easy. If we learn to do this by consciously making the effort to do it though, I know we will be more effective and successful leaders.