Healthy Thinking Patterns: A Leadership Mindset Shift
By Tyra McGary, Event Program Specialist, The Channel Company
In leadership, and in life, our thoughts shape how we see people, organizations, and situations. Yet one of the most overlooked skills is the ability to hold space for both positives and negatives at the same time. Healthy thinking patterns involve acknowledging and genuinely appreciating the positive qualities of a person or organization, even when we may feel frustration, disappointment, or even hurt.
This practice isn’t about dismissing or ignoring challenges. Instead, it’s about leading with balance. When we allow ourselves to recognize strengths despite our negative feelings, we open the door to growth, respect, and more authentic collaboration.
Why This Matters for Women in Leadership
As women leaders, we often find ourselves navigating complex dynamics. Whether in boardrooms, communities, or personal relationships, it can be tempting to focus on what’s wrong or where trust has been broken. But choosing to notice the good alongside the bad equips us with resilience and emotional intelligence, two qualities essential for impactful leadership.
When you acknowledge the positive qualities in others, even those you may disagree with, you cultivate empathy. This does not mean you excuse poor behavior or accept harmful practices. Instead, it means you refuse to let negativity narrow your perspective. You see the whole picture and lead with clarity rather than reaction.
A Practical Example
Think of a colleague or organization you’ve struggled with. Ask yourself: What do they do well? Perhaps they’re innovative, deeply committed, or skilled at building relationships. Appreciating those qualities doesn’t erase your frustration, but it grounds your perspective. It allows you to engage with them from a place of balance rather than bitterness.
This type of thinking has ripple effects: it softens conflict, strengthens collaboration, and positions you as a leader who models both accountability and grace.
A Call to Action
I invite you to reflect this week:
Who in your professional or personal life challenges you the most right now?
Can you identify at least one positive quality they bring to the table?
How might acknowledging that quality shift the way you lead, respond, or engage with them?
Healthy thinking patterns aren’t just a mindset; they’re a leadership tool. By practicing the discipline of balanced perspective, we not only strengthen our leadership but also inspire others to rise above negativity.
Let’s commit together, as women leaders, to cultivate thought patterns that uplift, balance, and lead with integrity.
Bio: Tyra McGary is a dedicated events and meeting expert with a passion for supporting women in technology. As an Event Program Specialist at The Channel Company, she helps lead initiatives that empower and elevate women in the tech industry. A published author of A'Tiffa's Mystery Adventure, Tyra uses her love for literacy to inspire young readers and promote the importance of education. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to philanthropy, volunteering her time and efforts to projects that improve the quality of life in her community and throughout Louisiana. A certified meeting professional and MBA graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, Tyra continuously works to make a positive impact, advocating for both women’s advancement in tech and the power of literacy.