It never ceases to amaze me that the overwhelming majority of people, especially when they are in a management position, tend to find someone doing something wrong. While one must correct mistakes I found that if you focus on the things people do right something very positive happens....They look for the next recognition of "doing something right"! I began this practice many years ago when I was in a management position. I was trying to learn how to be a "Leader"...not a "Manager".

As I began to find people "Doing Things Right" some interesting changes took place. First, fewer and fewer staff was standing at the "R & D" corner...(Research and Development AKA the group of employees gathered to complain about management). In an environment where we are always being faulted or finding fault our motivation slowly dissipates...and why not...if you're going to be ridiculed for every little thing you do or attempt to do why take the chance anymore.

However, if we are recognized for the positive things we have done we begin to have a more positive image of ourselves and abilities. As our positive image is fed we grow...and when we grow we succeed! I also discovered a surprising result...as people were recognized for doing something right....they began to correct other negative habits all on their own. I was able to eventually get all the "management" to buy in to this practice and was very proud to see many of us transition from "managers" to "leaders".