“Come on guys, this sucks … but we’re all in this together.”

I’m sure many managers are using this refrain right now. I call it motivation misery. Here’s the catch: misery isn’t motivating.

There are plenty of ways to communicate to those around you that “we’re in this together” without having to remind people of the negative aspects of their circumstances. Why not try using positive language instead?

I promise you: this isn’t toxic positivity, where you deny people the hardship they’re going through. Instead, it’s acknowledging challenge, but casting a vision for a brighter future.  

Here are some positive language statements:

• I know this is challenging, but we’ve risen to the occasion before
• Right now feels like an unprecedented time, but I know that this team will be able to endure
• I don’t know how long we’ll be in this period of intense operations, but I do know that with the right focus, we’ll be able to come out of it stronger

I urge you: take the opportunity to write down some positive language statements that you can use in meetings, townhalls, or even when you have some water cooler conversations.

If you’re struggling to come up with some, here are some prompts:

• What would a football coach say to a team during halftime when they’re down by 20 points?
• What would a parent say to a child who is stressed by the workload they’re experiencing in college?
• What would the older, wiser version of you say to the “you” that you are today?

Channeling a new perspective helps you get perspective on the right, motivational message you need for yourself and others!

We need leaders right now who can be pillars of strength amidst seemingly “doom and gloom” environments. Strength doesn’t mean you don’t have feelings, or your tone deaf in your environment. Strength just means that you are going to continue to show up focused, in control of what you can control, and work to manage the emotions of the climate that you’re in.