Episode 163

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Published on:

28th Dec 2023

Pamela Richards: Positivity Poison: The Toxic Reality of Forced Optimism in the Workplace

Positivity Poison: The Toxic Reality of Forced Optimism in the Workplace. In this episode, you could explore how an excessive focus on positivity can lead to a culture where genuine concerns are brushed aside, difficult conversations are avoided, and real issues go unaddressed. This kind of "fake it 'til you make it" mentality can breed resentment and undermine employee morale, productivity, and well-being. Let's dive into the dark side of positivity! For many of us, we were taught always to have a smile on our face. As a leader, you may have said, "Don't bring me problems. Only bring me solutions." The idea was to get your team to step up, get in action, and solve the problem. However, we now know there are negative consequences when you don't deal with problems, especially emotional burnout.

Denise Cooper and Pamela Brooks discuss

  • What is toxic positivity?
  • What does toxic positivity do to people, teams, and business results?
  • Toxic positivity can lead to increased impostor syndrome and denial of our weaknesses, limiting our growth.
  • Learn three questions and actions leaders can use to balance the need for solutions with helping people express their frustration constructively.

Pamela Richards is a recurring guest and a change-maker. As an executive coach and facilitator, she is passionate about helping people unlock their potential and make lasting life transformations. With a background in running leadership programs at ASU, Pam is a master at designing and implementing effective team-building and executive staffing initiatives. Her expertise as a Certified Dare to Lead™ and Conversational Intelligence™ facilitator allows her to foster powerful conversations that drive meaningful change. Pam's infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for people make her the ultimate coach and champion of personal growth and transformation!

You can continue the conversation with Pam by Cornerstone Success ccsuccess.pam@gmail.com

Transcript

Outline:

Introduction to the Podcast (:

Purpose of the podcast: Helping leaders understand how to influence others and build a collaborative team (00:21-00:35)

ors, and experienced leaders (:

Introduction to Denise Cooper and her friends (00:47-00:50)

Exploring Leadership Lessons (:

Denise's role as an executive coach and her passion for helping people transform their lives (02:30-03:10)

analyzing complex situations (:

Divergent and convergent thinking in the context of strategic planning (04:53-06:35)

eflecting on Personal Growth (:

Importance of taking time to reflect and evaluate personal and professional growth (06:36-08:07)

nd strengths and limitations (:

Questioning personal identity and uninterrupted self-reflection (11:19-12:29)

w ideas, and staying engaged (:

Setting goals and staying accountable (14:15-15:35)

tter and improve as a leader (:

Chapter 4: Insight Summary Judgment Panel (17:24-18:31)

stand attitudes and passions (:

Chapter 5: Recorrecting and Storytelling (19:45-20:56)

sting strategies for success (:

Storytelling around personal growth and learning from failures (20:07-20:56)

ng Capacity and Productivity (:

Discussion on recognizing personal capacity and avoiding burnout (23:17-23:46)

ng meetings and productivity (:

Chapter 7: Deeper Reflection and Journaling (27:25-29:16)

urnaling for personal growth (:

Chapter 8: Mid-Year Check-In and Trust (31:36-33:21)

g trust within organizations (:

Setting specific goals and making meaningful connections (32:22-33:21)

anning and Course Correction (:

Overview of strategic planning and thinking, and avoiding guesswork (35:36-36:40)

n and continuous improvement (:

Chapter 10: Collaboration and Conclusion (37:52-38:48)

aboration and helping others (:

Encouraging listeners to subscribe, share, and engage with the podcast (37:52-38:05)

pport leadership development (:
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About the Podcast

Remarkable Leadership Lessons
Listen today to learn how you can lead high-preforming, inclusive teams.
On the Remarkable Leadership Lessons Podcast, we believe that acknowledging that you don’t know what to do differently is a sign of strength not weakness. Our guests will give you the tools to ask for that much-needed raise, to prepare yourself for life in the C-Suite, and to develop a growth mindset that leads you and your team to the desired results. We help you make work, career and leadership work for you.

Host Denise Cooper helps listeners assemble the building blocks of emotional intelligence: accountability, compassion, the willingness to admit wrongdoing, and the determination to follow through. Problems do not end with strategy. They end with thoughtfully developed solutions consistently put into practice.
Make your actions intentional, your behaviors mindful, and your decisions deliberate. And no matter what, own up to all of them.

About your host

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Denise Cooper