Take the 1 Question Test of Leadership

Our culture is obsessed with leadership, evidenced by the countless books that fill our bookstores on the subject. There are too many leadership theories and techniques to keep up with. We could talk about it for the next 6 months and hardly scratch the surface.

Instead of that, I’d like to offer a 1-Question Test to determine whether you are a good leader or not. Ready? Here it is.

1. Are you more positive than negative? (yes) or (no)

It’s such a simple question. Do you see the world through a positive lens, or a negative one? What would your family say? Co-workers? Friends?

Here’s the bottom line: If you are a negative person, you’ll never be a good leader. Period. 

Am I saying great leaders sugarcoat everything, ignoring the problems of life? Of course not. Great leadership is not about overlooking the difficulties at hand. It’s about the attitude you possess in the face of those realities.

Can you look at tough circumstances and remain positive? Can you see the possibility for a better outcome? Do you envision a redemptive future ahead?

Great leaders are uncommonly optimistic. Even in hard times, they believe good will come. Their positivity literally changes the attitudes of those around them, especially when times are tough. Great leaders look at present circumstances through a positive lens, and this leads to casting a positive vision for the future.

Great leaders also show their positivity in the way they celebrate. They see every success, no matter how big or small, as an opportunity to celebrate. By doing this, they inspire more of the same wins in the future. As my pastor Buddy Hoffman says, “you cultivate what you celebrate.

Is there hope if you’re naturally more negative? (or “realistic” as we often put it)

YES. There’s hope for you (and me) because positivity can be learned. Anyone can become more positive. It comes down to 2 things: perspective and practice.

Perspective

Not surprisingly, the way to become more positive is to believe the positive perspectives of life. Believe that God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28). Believe that all your weaknesses are in fact opportunities for God’s strength to transform (1 Cor.1:27-28). Following this thinking, even our pesky nature toward negativity is potential for God’s power to come and change us.

Practice

Just like anything else, you have to practice being more positive. This might seem shallow, but you need to start saying positive things, even if it goes against your nature. Start small. Insist that the upcoming event you’re attending will be great. Assume the conflict will be resolved. Declare positive things about the people you’re around. Celebrate the good things in your life and the lives of the world around you.

Forgive me for simplifying such a complex subject like leadership. I know there’s much more to it. However, I don’t know if there’s anything more foundational. Want to be a great leader? Start with your positive attitude. It makes all the difference in the world.