When things are down a little, which is the norm in a recession, how does it make you feel when you hear or read about a business success story? To us, it’s a real morale booster, a shot in the arm, a kind of template for success.

Just as negativism, discord and whining can bring the entire crew down, so, too, is optimism the viral quality of a leader. Don’t hesitate to be the “office optimist,” the first one to find the lemonade within the lemon and point out the silver lining around the dark cloud.

Following the example of someone who is doing it right or, at least, better than we are at the moment is a great starting point for brewing up our own success recipe. Grab at each opportunity to model the success of others, to be the team Pollyanna, the individual who is first to point out that glad can get you a lot further than sad. You just may find that you have created a tipping point.