By Elaine Jacob | June 2025 Edition
In the whirlwind of targets, transformation, and timelines, one question often gets lost in the noise:
“Am I experiencing joy in the work I do—and helping others feel it too?”
💡 Why Positive Emotions Matter in Leadership
Positive emotions like joy, gratitude, hope, pride, and awe aren’t just “feel-good extras.” They’re essential nutrients for growth, creativity, resilience, and strong relationships—at home, at work, and within ourselves.
Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build Theory shows that positive emotions expand our thinking, open our minds to new possibilities, and help us build long-term resources like social connection, motivation, and purpose.
When we experience joy, we don’t just feel better—we lead better.
⚙️ The Science of Sustaining Positivity
Let’s be honest: We’re wired with a negativity bias. It takes conscious effort to notice and nurture positive emotions. But it’s worth it.
Here’s how leaders can make it part of their everyday mindset and culture:
1. Name the Good Stuff
At the end of your day or meeting, ask:
What went well? What moments sparked energy or laughter?
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Joy compounds through micro-moments of success. Don’t wait for milestones—acknowledge progress in real time.
3. Cultivate Gratitude
Try a team ritual: “Three Thank Yous Thursday.” Simple, powerful, and contagious.
4. Lead with Curiosity, Not Control
Curiosity opens space for delight. It invites wonder back into problem-solving and decision-making.
5. Be the Mirror of Joy
Your mood is more contagious than you think. Be the emotional thermostat, not just the thermometer.
🧠 A Quick Practice: The Positive Emotion Audit
At your next check-in, try this prompt with your team (or journal it yourself):
“In the last week, when did I feel…”
- Proud of my work?
- Grateful for someone’s effort?
- Energized by a conversation?
- Curious about a challenge?
- Inspired by a vision?
These aren’t soft questions—they’re leadership diagnostics. They reveal the emotional tone you’re cultivating and what’s sustaining your culture.
🧭 Final Reflection
In a BANI world—brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible—joy is not a luxury.
It’s a strategic leadership capability.
You don’t need to chase happiness. You can design for it.
Start with one positive emotion today. Watch it ripple.
Quote to Carry With You:
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
— Henri Nouwen
Would you like a downloadable Positive Emotion Team Toolkit for your next team offsite or 1:1 coaching session? Hit reply or send a DM—I’d love to share it with you.
Until next time,
Elaine Jacob
Live boldly. Lead creatively. Be unapologetically you.