How to lead someone who does good work, but is negative like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
(Most Popular Tool!) MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders. 52 leadership language shifts to help you stop managing tasks, and start leading people. Get them here. These are in-stock and ready to ship. Digital version included free instantly.
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The Thought
Did you know… one negative voice on a team can quietly shut down five others?
Strong output doesn’t cancel out poor energy - it multiplies its impact.
Leaders don’t ignore negativity because of performance.
They address it because of influence.
Quote:
“Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.” – James Clear
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The Tip
Remember to…
1. Separate output from impact
A manager says:
“Your numbers are great, so I’ll let it slide.”
A leader says:
“Your work is strong — and your energy is affecting the team. Both are real.”
Then ask:
“How do you think your energy lands in the room?”
“What’s draining you right now that I might not see?”
High performers with bad energy don’t stay isolated.
They shape the environment around them.
2. Make the invisible cost visible
A manager says:
“People are starting to complain.”
A leader gets specific:
“When you sigh in meetings or shut down ideas early, people stop sharing — and we lose their input.”
Then ask:
“Did you realize that’s how it’s landing?”
Awareness is the turning point.
Then move to action:
“What’s one meeting habit you can change this week?”
3. Invite an identity shift
A manager says:
“Be more positive.”
A leader says:
“I don’t need you to fake anything — I want you to decide who you want to be in the room.”
Then ask:
“Do you want to lift the team up or weigh it down?”
“Who do you want to be here a year from now?”
Behavior follows identity.
Identity starts with a decision.
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Apply this with the People Builder
Most leaders handle this once… and then hope it changes.
That’s where it breaks.
People Builder helps you turn one conversation into real change.
It gives you:
- Structured 1:1 frameworks for behavior + accountability
- A way to track commitments like “one meeting habit to change”
- Built-in follow-up so nothing drifts
- A system to reinforce growth over time
Instead of guessing what to say next…
you have a clear process.
👉 Start using People Builder here
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The Tool
Short Video: Watch how leaders address negative energy without shutting people down or tolerating it.
See how to align impact, build awareness, and create real behavior change.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube
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The Trend 🔥
Leadership is changing fast.
AI can do the work.
But it can’t manage energy, tone, or influence.
👉 That’s now the leader’s job.
Top performers who damage culture used to be tolerated.
Now they’re the fastest way to lose your best people.
The new standard isn’t just performance.
It’s how people show up every day.
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Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓How would you describe your personal brand within the team?
❓What steps can you take to strengthen it?
❓How can we support each other in building a strong team reputation?
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Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2026!
-> New Release: Spark better decisions before the conversation even starts. Stop reacting in tough moments. These tools, decision prompts, and conversation frameworks will make your leadership conversations clearer and more confident in 2026. Pre-Order your 52 IF THIS, Then THAT Cards w/ Box. Physical box ships mid-late March. Digital version available instantly. Order today and stop guessing in hard conversations. Limited time launch pricing available here.
-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Order now and receive your physical box shortly (ships in days). Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!
-> Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package - the Ultimate Leader Toolkit with EVERYTHING included. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 52 Say THIS, Not THAT cards, 52 Leadership Skills Program, Leader Playbook, and more. Get everything with the Complete Leader Package.
-> Want just the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!
-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.
Thank you for leading and lifting others out there!
-Dwight
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