Lead Positive

How to implement effecitve, magnetic leadership by applying asset-based thinking and shifting your mindset from the negative to the positive Lead Positive takes the fundamentals of Asset-Based Thinking (ABT) and turns them into a playbook for successful leadership. ABT is a simple mindset management process that shows people how to make small shifts in perception and thinking to achieve great results. Cramer shows leaders how to apply ABT to shift their attention away from what is negative and learn to intentionally shine the spotlight on the positive, beneficial facts of a situation. As they make this mental shift from negative to positive aspects, they improve their optimism, empathy, and confidence. When their mindset zooms in on what is strong, valuable, and possible, what they say and do is far more likely to inspire others to action. In short, ABT helps leaders shift internally so they can excel externally. Lead Positive weaves neuroscience and positive psychology to create effective leadership strategies.

Acknowledgments xiii Introduction: Lead Positive 1 Reframe problems as possibilities and appeal to a higher sense of purpose Part 1 What Highly Effective Leaders See Zero in on what is working, strong, and possible Chapter 1: What You See Is What You Get 11 Widen your perspective beyond the negative Chapter 2: Focus on the Past 35 Honor the past for what it can teach you Chapter 3: Focus on the Present 53 See and seize the emerging opportunities in any situation Chapter 4: Focus on the Future 64 Envision a future worth diving into Part 2 What Highly Effective Leaders Say Speak to the mind, heart, and spirit Chapter 5: From See to Say 85 Make what you see match what you want to say Chapter 6: Say It with Substance 93 Leave no doubt about the credibility of your message Chapter 7: Say It with Sizzle 108 Tell rich stories that invite your audience to feel Chapter 8: Say It with Soul 135 Mean what you say (and say something meaningful) Part 3 What Highly Effective Leaders Do Start a positive ripple effect Chapter 9: From Say to Do: It’s a Very Short Trip 163 Set the example for what you want others to see, say, and do Chapter 10: Reactive or Responsive: It’s Up to You 169 Make your adrenaline work for you Chapter 11: Start Being Before You Start Doing 182 Strengthen the link between who you are and what you do Chapter 12: Driving Positive Change 200 Practice the seven key behaviors for transformational change Chapter 13: The Asset-Based Leadership Advantage 217 Apply the See-Say-Do framework to every stage of the change process Conclusion: Your Lead Positive Hero’s Journey 238 Use what you already know how to do—in the moment and over time Notes 240 About the Author 247 Index 249