Business is fickle! There are always new trends, theories are constantly changing and the bottom line is often an elusive number managers hunt relentlessly. In the last eight years I’ve learned everything I can about happiness, and interestingly enough in the last few years it’s taken me back to my business roots. I’ve become incredibly excited about the research that’s linking positive emotions to profitability and today I’d like to share the best of it.

Here’s the simple premise. Our thoughts determine our emotions, and our emotions largely determine our actions, our actions certainly determine our results and in the case of our businesses, our profitability. Sounds simple hey! So why do so many businesses fail? Because fundamentally, our thoughts are negative and pushing our emotions and actions away from the results were trying most desperately to create.

When we’re thinking positively we:

• See the best in situations
• Communicate more effectively
• Have higher confidence and self esteem
• Are more likely to try new things
• Are open and receptive to new ideas
• Are capable of focusing for longer periods
• Strive for win win outcomes
• Are more productive and efficient
• Deal with challenges more effectively
• Are more resilient to stress
• Can tap into our creative side more easily
• Bring a positive energy to our team, office and business

That’s just a quick list, but it’s blatantly obvious that someone who’s thinking and feeling positive is going to be a great asset to any team.

So here’s my three top tips for bringing positivity into your team.

1. Get a Giraffe – Or any toy that’s big enough to be noticed by someone walking by your desk. The idea is that the giraffe lives on a central shelf and anyone in the office can ‘award’ the giraffe to anyone else for doing a great job. Not only do those two people feel positive, but everyone who notices the giraffe will stop and ask what they did to receive it. Positivity breeds positively when we allow it.

2. Encourage 3 minute positivity blips. Come up with 10 things you can do in 3 minutes that will leave you feeling more positive. It might be phoning your partner, going for a quick walk, playing your favorite tune or just flicking through your photos on your phone. The idea is to give yourself a quick boost of positivity and recharge your emotional batteries, so when you get back to work you’re more focused, engaged and positive.

3. Be mindful at work. Mindfulness is about being aware, developing a consciousness around your work and team that ensures you’re present when you’re at work and switched on completely. It means noticing if someones having a rough day or is snowed under and taking the time to offer a helping hand from a place of compassion. Mindfulness is being able to get out of your head and your thoughts and stay grounded in the moment and the tasks or people you need to manage.

Hopefully you’ve got a few new ideas to take to work tomorrow! If you’d like more info, or are interested in some workshops to bring more positivity into your workplace contact me below.