Cathy Liska 
In many different fields having negative people call attention to certain facts or factors can be helpful. At the same time being negative means focusing on problems, speaking in a way that limits or lacks confidence, and being a naysayer.
Being positive can mean having the proverbial rose-colored glasses. Being positive also means believing in possibilities, knowing there is a way to make it work, being charismatic, enjoying life and being perceived as more credible.
What are the specific pros and cons of being negative versus being positive?
Negative:
Pros –
- See the problems more readily
- Identify considerations quickly
- Easy to be negative
Cons –
- Depressing
- Drags others down
- Easy to get stuck
Positive:
Pros –
- Improves brain function
- Feels empowering and Supports being proactive
- Engaging and motivating
Cons –
- May miss seeing the challenges
- May gloss over challenges
- A-typical
What are the take-always from these lists? There is a time and a place for recognizing barriers and considerations. Then move forward to being positive because it increases your brain capacity for finding solutions and resources, proactively strategize, and define actions.
Given the clear value of a primarily positive approach with time for recognizing negatives, what skills or processes are most effective? Chances are you already guessed it… coaching of course! Coaching as a skill developed through coach training and also coaching is a process that works whether applying your coaching skills personally or working with someone who has completed coaching certification.
Specifically, coaching uses a positive, proactive approach and the process includes identifying potential barriers or challenges, and then planning how to move forward intentionally. When engaging a coach be sure to ask about their coaching certification and membership in the International Coach Federation!
