The recent campaign for the Federal Election in Canada has proven a truth for me whether in the political arena, at work, or in life.

Two of the parties stressed what the others could not do, the winning party stressed what could be done.  This obviously was not the whole reason the party won but clearly demonstrated a principle that I believe in.

Sending negative messages will not gain you positive results.  I have heard parents telling their children, “Don’t run across the road, you’ll get run over”, instead of explaining why it is difficult for drivers to see them or stop suddenly and to make eye contact before crossing.

Managers do this quite often, emphasising what not to do rather than what to do.  We see signage and instructions all the time that say ‘don’t’, rather than ‘do’.  We need to reinforce the positive, in our work and in our lives.

I challenge everyone to listen to yourselves and others for the message that is being sent.

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