I maintain a high level of positivity typically, not that false *"live in hope"* sort of positivity, but good wholesome positivity that takes the current situation, challenges and opportunities into consideration. It is productive. It's how I roll out in my professional life as a manager and in my personal life to the most degree. Sure, I'm no different to most people in that sometimes that level dips however in the main it's all good. I'm proud of it too.

Today I witnessed a situation in which a group of people were torn to shreds verbally by a manager, I'm ashamed and embarrassed to say that it was within my office. I was not in the room however could hear the rant being deployed at a high volume level, the ranters voice increasing an octave and in a general *out-of-control* way. It was disconcerting to me and I can only imagine the effect on those in the room who are supposed to look up to and respect their manager. It was shameful and despicable. 

It made me think about positivity and negativity though; The affect both have on an individual. Those in that room should know that their results rely *wholly on themselves* of course and that outside sources of angst should be dealt with accordingly and with (hopefully) no impediment to their forward progress, however it's a hard-ask to expect these young and reasonably inexperienced people, or anyone for that matter, to maintain an appropriate level of positivity after such a display. So inappropriate. 

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I call what happened today a *SAP* in that it saps one's energy rather than *ZAP* it. The zap/sap ethos is one that I work hard to maintain here at the office, in respect of my own team and with the office as a whole. It's a productive process that involves empathy, understanding, factual and valid feedback, providing support without removing responsibility, an open-door policy and empowering my team to take ownership. It's about courtesy and respect, job-satisfaction, reward for effort and results and many other concepts that creates a great unit. That's what I have and I'm proud of that. I'm not weak or a push-over though, in fact this style only increases my influence and productivity and puts me in the enviable position of receiving respect and a great deal of hard work from my team. That's not weak, that's strong.

We can choose to ZAP, it will bring a result of course, create a culture, build relationships and drive productivity or we can choose to SAP which will destroy productivity, respect and motivation. 

Lighting a candle in a dark room makes it brighter allowing others to do the same creating momentum. Blowing candles out makes it darker and less appealing. It's a simple concept really. 

***<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/td7G4W1HSIE">Image source</a>***