Here’s a technique that I use to shift attendees to my meetings (1:1 or team) into a positive mindset. You can easily learn and practice this – and I encourage you to try it, reflect on what it does for you and people around your, and – over time – develop your own style of applying it.
At the start of your next meeting, ask each attendee to share something that went well recently. Encourage them to pick up to three things, that they have achieved, no matter how small. Try not to judge the answers that people provide—any small achievement, even if it’s showing up for work or getting out of bed in the morning, can be an accomplishment. Even if you think it isn’t!
Refrain from reacting to what they say, in stead thank them for their contribution. This way, you will create a level playing field on which people can speak up without being judged. Also, this exercise is not about hearing what people bring up as wins, but rather about training everyone to recognize and celebrate wins.
Over time, you and your team will become better at focusing on successes and recognizing that even small accomplishments are worth celebrating.
Sometimes, team members may need time to dig a bit deeper and may struggle to identify the positive, so give them the space to search their minds. Over time, you and your team will become better at focusing on successes and recognizing that even small accomplishments are worth celebrating.
This simple exercise can help you and your team build a mindset geared toward success, celebrate small achievements, and open minds for future growth. Remember that huge progress consists of many small steps.
Give it a shot—play around with it and find your own style and approach. Go celebrate success!