When you speak with your colleagues, how many times do you have something to praise and how many times do you have something to criticise? Think back honestly to the last meeting or gathering that you had with your employees.

Did you say more bad things than good? Probably, and this is likely true for most organisations, the bad things outnumbered the good. What if the focus was turned, and you focused on the good, instead? How would the atmosphere shift?

But We Have To Fix The Stuff That Goes Wrong

You may protest, and say, but we have to talk about the bad things. Someone messed up, or we didn’t meet this goal, or whatever it is. And while it is true that the issue should be addressed, maybe it should be mentioned only to the person who needs to fix the problem. It’s so easy to cast blame and shame to others, and to nit-pick and find every little error.

Sticks And Stones And Words That Hurt, Indeed

Have you heard the expression, sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never break me? Children are often taught to use this as a mantra against bullying at school. But words do have a powerful impact. Your words can make or break someone’s day, and even if constructive criticism is warranted, your tone and delivery can greatly impact how your message is heard and received.

As a leader, your goal is to provide a work environment that is suitable for the charges of the Imagination Age. Employees expect a business community that is brain friendly and allows for the creation of new ideas and new technologies.

A leader that regularly points out only problems and negative issues is not going inspire anyone to open their mind. Instead, these workers will become less likely to come forth with new thoughts because they are afraid of drawing attention.

Leadership is a way of thinking, a way of acting and, most importantly, a way of communicating.

Simon Sinek

Learning how to effectively communicate can be difficult for some leaders. The paradigms of the past didn’t allow much time for discussion and innovation. But it’s time to set aside the ways of old management and embrace the new mindful methods of the twenty-first century. The i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology will help you enter the Imagination Age. You can become a more effective communicator, which will positively impact those around you.

Encouraging words can help the drive we need to be innovators, while negativity can stifle it. Build up your employees so that they have the motivation to work through doubt, fear, and failure. When you are optimistic and thoughtful with those around you, you will experience a change in your brain state.

Optimism has long been associated with positive health benefits. Instead of always pointing out the flaws, try to shift your thinking and see the good. Remember, flinging words carelessly can cause as much damage as chucking a rock at someone.

Originally posted on: 12 December 2017
Last updated on: 24 March 2024

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Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

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