I am feeling great this week. It must be the benefit of a vacation—not only did we enjoy wonderful weather in a beautiful place, I unplugged from the news as well as from social media.

Doing this also removed me from the seemingly endless and snarky commentary that accompanies any substantial story these days.  It reminded me that anyone can point out what is wrong, what doesn’t work, and what is unfair.   The insidiousness of the critical perspective is that it attracts additional criticism. Then, a big pile of what’s wrong is mounded up on the table.  It’s hard to see anything else!

But is that useful?

A good coach will tell you to take a different approach.  Instead of judgmental, negative commentary, consider looking around and focusing energy on what is working to make things better.

Focusing on what works doesn’t sacrifice your smarts, or your work ethic:  it shifts your energy towards the positive.  Here are a few other attributes I’ve noticed that make positive leaders more generative than other smart, hardworking leaders.

• They bring curiosity to the table.
• They are as interested in learning from others as they are in sharing their knowledge.
• They understand the value of enthusiasm!
• They are of good will, and see the good in others.

Their successes are not born from an angry, judgmental, know-it-all style.  Yours shouldn’t be, either. Infuse your smarts and hard work with kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm.  I assure you, it is worth it.

About the Author

Mary Ellen Sailer, Ed.D., is a Coaching Solutions Partner with The Ken Blanchard Companies’ Coaching Services team. Since 2000, Blanchard’s 130 coaches have worked with over 14,500 individuals in more than 250 companies throughout the world. Learn more at Blanchard Coaching Services. And check out Coaching Tuesday every week at Blanchard LeaderChat for ideas, research, and inspirations from the world of executive coaching.