This generally means identifying opportunities, not problems, and moving from analysis to action. Note that this does not mean problems should be ignored, or that you should be falsely optimistic or offer unwarranted praise. 

Central to positivity is the ability to focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Leaders focus on where they can make a positive contribution, and this means feeling confident enough to develop others to compensate for your own weaknesses. 

Being able to manage emotions is critical. Being angry or engaged is a choice. No matter what you feel inside, you must display a positive face. An emerging leader must be able to articulate their goals clearly and explain what they want their workplace to achieve. 

Crucially, leaders know mistakes will happen, but they recognise that mistakes are learning opportunities, not simply failures. 

Here’s how to stay positive:

• Offer solutions, not just problems. Even if there is a risk of being wrong, it’s a risk leaders must accept. Solutions should be thought out and a degree of preparation undertaken. Offering empty solutions can be as bad as raising problems
• Look for the positives, not the negatives in new ideas. There is nothing intelligent about being the first person to identify all the issues; managers just find this frustrating
• Volunteer for special projects or work programmes. Choose something that matches your strengths and do not particularly look for extra money. See this an opportunity to shine
• Take measured risks. Leaders cannot be risk averse. You may fall down a few times, but how you respond is truly the measure of your character
• Take responsibility and go that extra mile
• Take action. Smart people can over-analyse a situation and not move quickly enough. Leaders know to take measured risks and move to action.