Embracing Pollyanna’s Glad Game: Being the Change for Our Communities and Teams

Embracing Pollyanna’s Glad Game: Being the Change for Our Team and Community

In a world where uncertainty often prevails, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity swirling around us. Challenges at work, personal struggles, and societal issues can all weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. Yet, even when we do not choose some of the negative things that impact us, we have the power to choose how we respond. This is where the wisdom of Pollyanna’s Glad Game comes into play.

For those unfamiliar, Pollyanna is a character from the 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter that became a movie, is best known for her unwavering optimism, even in difficult circumstances. The essence of her "Glad Game" is simple yet profound: finding something to be glad about, no matter how small, in every situation. It’s about shifting focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, and in doing so, changing not just your own mindset but influencing the entire community around you.

So how can we apply Pollyanna’s Glad Game to create a positive ripple effect in our workplaces, communities, and teams? How can we become the change that inspires others?

Start with Gratitude, Even in Small Moments: In Pollyanna’s world, there was always something to be thankful for. Similarly, in our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the small moments of gratitude. But these tiny wins can accumulate to create a culture of optimism.

As leaders or team members, we can cultivate this by taking time in meetings or daily conversations to celebrate small victories, thank people for their contributions, and acknowledge the effort behind the scenes. This creates an atmosphere where others feel appreciated and seen. Gratitude isn’t just an individual practice; it’s contagious.

Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: It’s easy to get bogged down by problems, whether they’re personal or professional. But Pollyanna teaches us that focusing on what’s right can often help us uncover solutions we hadn’t seen before. In the movie, she expertly did this in the scene when she converted the miserable old man Mr. Pendergast to a supporter and participant in the community event. In teams, this can translate to a more solution-oriented mindset.

Instead of dwelling on what's wrong, leaders can ask questions like: “What’s one thing that went well in this project?” or “How can we make this better together?” By framing challenges as opportunities for growth, we empower others to shift from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility.

Inspire Resilience in Others: Pollyanna’s optimism wasn’t naive; it was a form of resilience. She faced real hardships as an orphan, but she chose to meet them with a positive mindset. In our communities and teams, fostering resilience means supporting each other through tough times and encouraging one another to find the silver lining.

Being open about struggles and modelling resilience as a leader can permit others to do the same. When team members see you bouncing back from setbacks with optimism and determination, they are inspired to tap into their resilience.

Create a Culture of Inclusivity and Support: Pollyanna wasn’t just positive for herself; her glad game lifted the spirits of those around her. Similarly, in workplaces and communities, we can foster a culture where inclusivity, support, and positivity are at the core.

Inclusivity means recognizing that each person’s perspective adds value, and support means being present for one another through challenges. As we uplift others, we create a shared sense of purpose and connection. This builds stronger teams and more resilient communities.

Lead by Example and Be the Change You Wish to See: Pollyanna didn’t wait for others to be positive; she embodied it herself. As leaders, colleagues, or community members, we too can choose to lead by example. In challenging situations, others will look to us to gauge how to react. If we approach challenges with calm, optimism, and an open mind, others will be encouraged to do the same.

Becoming the change isn’t about grand gestures; it’s often about the small, consistent actions that gradually shift the tone of a community or team. Your attitude, your words, and your mindset can influence those around you, sparking a positive change that extends far beyond your immediate circle.

Celebrate Collective Wins: In Pollyanna’s world, joy was shared. Whether it was a personal success or a community effort, celebrating wins together strengthens bonds and reinforces positive change. In teams, collective celebrations—whether for small milestones or significant achievements—boost morale and solidify the sense of being in it together.

Encourage team members to celebrate each other's contributions and achievements. This creates a positive feedback loop where success breeds success, and optimism becomes a shared experience.

Pollyanna’s Glad Game is more than just a feel-good mindset; it’s a tool for creating lasting, positive change in our communities and teams. By choosing to focus on what’s good, finding solutions to challenges, and supporting one another, we become catalysts for change.

So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself, “What can I be glad about here?” This simple shift in perspective might just be the spark your community or team needs to thrive.

Let’s embody Pollyanna’s spirit and use our optimism to uplift, inspire, and create the change we wish to see—one glad thought at a time.

How do you find ways to stay positive and resilient in challenging situations, both personally and professionally? I'd love to hear your strategies and thoughts.