A few days ago, I was talking with a good friend who is one of the best leaders I know. During the course of our conversation, he mentioned a quote he had read that really stood out to me: “Don’t be defined by what you are against but instead by what you are for.” 
    
I could go on and on about how you discover who you are in college, your sense of leadership emerges, etc., but we’ve all heard it before. Personally, I’ve never thought of it in that light before. When I think of how I describe myself, naturally the phrase “well I’m against ______” comes up, along with other negative words. 
      
How often in elections do we hear the word “against?” Don’t get me wrong, I think it is very important to make your beliefs and ideals clear; that, of course, involves stating those things. The dominant tone that surfaces is usually negative. But if the leader is positive, the followers will be, too. 
     
I read an article by Simon Sinek that contained another quote which seemed to scream at me from the computer screen: “Leadership never defines itself, its cause or its vision by what it is not. Great leadership always tells us what it is, where we’re going or who we are. Kennedy didn’t tell us we’re not going to stay on the earth, he told us we’re going to the moon.” 
     
Leadership is so natural and persuasive; it’s hard to tell it can be overwhelmingly negative. 
If you want people to be inspired by you, inspire them by what you do. A positive attitude will get you so much farther in life than a negative one. I had not realized how negative leadership can be so influential. 
     
The biggest example I can think of is the church. I think a huge reason so many people are turned off by the church is because of the negative statements that pour from the mouths of members. I wonder how many people would open up to the church more if the leadership demonstrated by its members was more positive.
The negative statements are rooted in what we as members of the church believe to be true. Displaying a positive outlook doesn’t mean we are denying the truth of our beliefs — it could simply serve as a way for people who aren’t involved to be more open to it, instead of being shut off instantly.
As a member of a Christian church, I want what I believe in to be the dominant force behind my actions, not what I’m against. Perhaps people will be more apt to understand why I believe what I believe. 
     
I want to be defined by a positive attitude that reflects what I do. I want to see positive leadership take control — a leadership style that does not dwell on the negative words and forces that can drive people away.
This “leadership-revelation” has been somewhat of a slap in the face for me, because I realize how guilty I am of thinking so negatively. Maybe this will inspire someone like me, someone who sees the benefits of positive leadership and expression in a whole new light.
Mary Chase Breedlove is a sophomore majoring in communication. She can be contacted at [email protected].