I have a board member and adviser that always seems to have the right answer for any challenge.  It happens to be the same answer to everything, and I finally recognized the pattern.  Anytime I describe a particular challenge or something that is driving me to step in and do extra work he says “Oh that is so good for you…”

I hate this answer because it denies gratification in the complaint.  I get no sympathy for complaining, only encouragement.  It never lets me off the hook.  It requires that I push through and keep going until the situation is resolved.

I love this answer because it is so incredibly encouraging.  It means that every challenge has a positive outlook.

Here are some for instances:

Comment: “I just lost my sales manager.  Now I have to travel a lot more.”
Response: “Oh that is so good for you.  You will be able to build relationships and see what the market really needs.”

Comment: “We transitioned our ERP system and its created a total mess.  I now need to walk through the entire process and make it all work.
Response: “Oh that is so good for you.  You will reconnect with employees, understand their situation and solve their problems.  Plus, at least one person will know the system start to finish.”

Comment: “We need to look closely at our budgets and try to save money.”
Response: “Oh that is so good for you.  Now you will know exactly what you are spending on and will be forced to assess business priorities.”

See what I mean.  Always a positive spin on how it will be good for me.

Thank you, Mike Bosley, for being a great board member and advisor.  I think I may steal this page from your positivity playbook and use it with my team.