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You can find the article here: "Does Your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity" by Mita Mallick

Episode 132 - What if the optimism you thought was boosting your team is actually holding them back? This episode uncovers the fine line between constructive positivity and its toxic counterpart, revealing how excessive optimism can manipulate teams, cause burnout, and lead to frustration. Drawing on insights from Mita Mallik, we explore how leaders can fall into the trap of weaponizing positivity, often at the expense of addressing real workplace challenges. True leadership goes beyond the surface, requiring a commitment to realistic goals and genuine support through coaching, training, and mentoring. Beware of surrounding yourself with 'yes' people and the dangers of groupthink, as we highlight the pivotal role finance leaders play in aligning resources with organizational goals.

Honest communication and transparency emerge as crucial tools for effective leadership. Inspired by the Army's principle of leading from the front, we discuss strategies for actively supporting your team, managing workloads, and setting realistic expectations. Our conversation is enriched by gratitude to Mita Mallik and Harvard Business Review, whose valuable insights offer a roadmap for personal development in leadership. As we focus on building trust and mutual respect, we invite you to steer clear of manipulation and equip your teams for success in a resource-constrained environment. Join us for an engaging discussion on fostering genuine work relationships and guiding your team with integrity.

Episode outline:

1. The weaponization of being too positive,
2. Be more realistic in your leadership style, and
3. Validate your team members’ concerns, which can lead to better solutions.

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