Remember to demonstrate empathy for the negative feelings of team members in your response. It is important to validate the positions individuals are in before taking steps to navigate to a more positive outlook.

"I am naturally a positive person. I like to smile and laugh, and I try to incorporate those behaviors regularly in a workplace appropriate way. Conversely, I recognize that challenges and struggles are real. In a team setting, I strive to validate the concerns of others and not look the other way simply because something has a negative aspect to it. Instead, I inspire trust in others by being honest about how I am feeling and then balancing those feelings by exploring the positive aspects of the situation simultaneously. I find this to be an authentic approach that generates more positive energy than simply ignoring the negative and always painting everything in a positive light.

I take the same approach when brainstorming to imagine future outcomes with my teams. The future is what we come together to create, and while there may be risks or issues, we always have the opportunity to add value. I like to remind my teams of this when we are in a tough spot. I also like to encourage everyone to enjoy the easier times to the fullest. This includes facilitating social activities, encouraging regular breaks, and taking time away from the office to rejuvenate and find perspective. I feel these methods help to directly alleviate stress and burnout."