Positivity in Tough Times: It’s About Having Your Team’s Back

This may sound obvious—or even clichéd—but right now, people deeply need encouragement, support, and genuine positivity. We all perform better when we receive it. That’s not to say we should avoid tough feedback or ignore mistakes. Hard truths still matter. But the way we bring them forward—the energy we carry—can make all the difference.

Times Are Changing

We’ve come to understand so much more about how humans are wired—both in our similarities and in our differences. Over time, our collective mindset has grown more sophisticated than what older work cultures accepted. I’ve been watching The Gilded Age, and it reminds me how far we’ve moved from “suck-it-up” or “stiff-upper-lip” leadership. If you’ve ever been in a room full of disengaged or defeated people, you know it’s often due to missing connection, warmth, and positive reinforcement.

A Moment from the Street

Walking behind a woman the other day, I overheard her venting to a colleague about her manager. She was frustrated, near tears:

“What does she expect me to do?? I literally did everything I could! She couldn’t name one thing I didn’t try!”

Her voice wasn’t about complaining. It was about feeling invisible, unheard, and unappreciated.

We’re Wired for “Yes”

At a recent conference, one session explored the brain, energy, and productivity—three of my favorite topics. What delighted me (but didn’t surprise me) was that science confirms what we feel instinctively: humans respond powerfully to praise.

We are wired for yes.

We gravitate toward people who support, collaborate, and radiate warmth. Numerous studies—from universities to Forbes—show that happy, engaged employees significantly outperform their frustrated counterparts. Some studies cite up to 20% higher productivity under positive conditions.

Forbes adds:

“Globally, organizations lose an estimated $8.8 trillion a year in productivity due to disengaged employees—highlighting the massive economic impact of failing to support positivity and recognition at work.”

This isn’t about forced cheer or ignoring real problems. This is about genuine positivity—acknowledging challenges and choosing to uplift and support at every step. Recognizing someone’s effort or intention activates the brain’s reward centers. Dopamine and serotonin rise. Stress lowers. Motivation grows.

Even giving a compliment triggers reward circuits in both giver and receiver. It’s biology.

Cultivating Positivity in Practice

So what does this look like day-to-day? It’s not about being fake or pretending everything is rosy. It’s about choosing moments of authenticity, recognition, and generosity in how we lead and collaborate.

• Someone brings breakfast to the office? Take a moment to truly thank them.

• Someone’s idea falls flat in a meeting? Speak up and validate their effort.

• Someone makes a mistake? Lead with empathy—“I see how hard you’ve been working,” then move into the feedback.

None of this costs money, but the return is culture, connection, creativity, and trust.

We’re all imperfect—and we all need someone in our corner. As improvisers, one of the first lessons we learn is: have your partner’s back. When everyone on stage feels supported, they take risks, create magic, and surprise themselves. Work and life work the same way—especially now.

If this resonates and you’re curious how corporate improv training, corporate improv workshops, or improv for business can help your team build this kind of culture.

Let’s bring more humanity, warmth, and positivity into how we work—together.