Welcome to Thursdays with Cyn where I share my personal tips and tricks to hopefully motivate and inspire you to take just one small step towards your OWN e-commerce entrepreneurial journey.

The Title of today’s topic is: Lead with a Positive

Many years ago in a newly appointed managerial position, my boss and I had to schedule a meeting with an employee. The purpose of the meeting was to terminate her position due to a reduction in staffing. 

I was filled with anxiety since it was my job to deliver this bad news. He was there as a witness and providing moral support to me, being a new manager with zero experience with terminations and potential legal ramifications. 

Prior to the employee arriving, my boss suggested we discuss how the conversation should go. Being a wonderful coach and mentor, he asked me “What’s the first thing you will say when she arrives?” 

I’m sure I looked like a deer in the headlights at that point, having no clue what to say. I suggested that we start with the typical pleasantries of meeting and greeting and then be direct and to the point and state exactly why we were there by simply saying “we will be terminating your position”.    

I mean… How do you tell someone who has been with the company over 20 years that it’s time to go? We no longer need you. That was going to be a life altering moment for her, and in hindsight, for me as well.

Being the wise leader he was, he replied “you always want to lead with a positive”. So instead of going straight for the jugular to deliver the bad news, lead with a positive and let the person know how valuable their contributions to the company have been. State examples of how her service has been appreciated with specific references to positions held, accomplishments, team player, etc.  

Even though it was still a difficult conversation, this approach definitely softened the blow and allowed them to leave with dignity and confidence knowing they were appreciated for their efforts and recognized as a valuable employee.

I learned a lot that day and I have never forgotten those wise words “always lead with a positive”. These words have served me well over the years and I still use them to this very day.

Whether coaching and mentoring through difficult or rewarding situations, the technique is the same as the conversation always starts off by recognizing the positive attributes or accomplishments of the other person.  

People want to feel appreciated. They want to be valued for their contributions. When you recognize that and set the framework for the conversation with a positive foundation, any conversation can be managed, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Think of this positive foundation as setting the tone for the meeting. You are technically diffusing a potentially negative situation before it starts and restructuring it with positivity.

Following this advice is not for specific industries nor only for CEO’s, or managers, or salespeople, or entrepreneurs. 

This technique can and should be applied to any situation, any person, any industry. It’s basic human kindness and taking into account the other person’s feelings as a human being. It’s not about just delivering the message. It’s about valuing the person receiving the message.

As a leader, we must rise up and act with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.

In case you harbor some deep rooted, unknown to anyone else, negativity towards the person, you must put your personal feelings aside and do not allow them to enter into the situation.

We deal with difficult situations all the time. With family members, friends, and business relationships. The more skilled we are with how we deliver our messages, the better result in the end.

Never burn a bridge! Regardless of how you feel about the other person or the situation. You never know how that can come back and bite you later. Just because you have those ill feelings doesn’t mean the other person does.

I’ve observed situations where the other person had no clue there was any animosity between them. The negative feelings were totally one-sided. 

People come into your life for a reason. You cross paths for a reason. There is a purpose there. You may not know why now and you may not know why ever… but it is a reason. Or, the reason may reveal itself years and years later down the road.

Always keep an open mind, show kindness and compassion in all of your communication and you will be a better leader for it. And remember, always lead with a positive! 

So I want to hear from you...give me your thoughts on: Leading with a Positive. What experiences have you had using this or other techniques?

Now - If YOU would like to learn more about what I do as an E-com Business Manager, you can find me on Facebook through my FREE GROUP e-comm business management community or check out my website CynMeadows.com where you can find some awesome free training on how you can learn a new way to sell online that is RISK-FREE and doesn’t require you to spend thousands of $$$ from your life savings buying inventory upfront… and NO - this is NOT drop shipping! So go check it out and find out more about becoming an E-commerce Business Manager and how you can write your own paycheck.  So … that’s a wrap for today… I challenge you to go out and take just one step further towards your own entrepreneurial dreams and goals whatever they may be!