If you want your business to not just survive tough times but actually thrive, you need to adopt a positive leadership style. This approach, rooted in positive psychology, focuses on intentional behaviours that break away from the norm in a good way. It’s like flipping negativity on its head and finding chances to grow even during challenges.

Most research looks at negative stuff in organisations—like fraud, bullying, and bad supervision. But, if we shift our focus to positive deviance, we can see how positive actions lead to excellence. It’s about viewing obstacles as opportunities to grow, build good processes, and create strong experiences.

The Centre for Positive Organisations at the University of Michigan defines thriving in two key ways. First, it’s about unlocking human potential within an organisation. This means creating a space where people are purposeful, energised, engaged, resilient and using their strengths. Second, it’s about designing organisational structures that foster positive connections, emotions, and meanings aimed at purpose-driven excellence.

So, what does this look like in real life? According to Professor Kim Cameron, positive leadership includes developing and using four socio-psychological resources: a positive climate, positive relationships, positive communication, and positive meaning. With these resources, your organisation won’t just “bounce back” from tough times but will truly thrive. The magic lies in combining resources and capabilities.

Learning to Assess, Accept, and Adapt is key. Assess the situation to understand the full scope of the adversity. Acceptance means acknowledging the current reality without sugarcoating it. Adaptation involves finding creative ways to navigate through and beyond the difficulties.

To see this in action, look at companies like Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI), InterMune, and Reuters. These companies have shown exceptional resilience by embracing positive leadership principles. They didn’t just survive tough times; they innovated and came out stronger.

In short, thriving through adversity requires a mindset shift. By focusing on positive leadership resources and developing the skills to Assess, Accept, and Adapt, you’ll build a resilient organisation ready to flourish no matter what life throws your way. This approach not only creates a positive work environment but also sets your business on a path to lasting success.

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This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.