Viewed from the perspective of an action verb, and not just as a position occupied by the elite few, positive leadership drives productivity, employee engagement, and performance. Specifically, the field of positive psychology has gained momentum. Its emphasis on personal well being, and constructs like hope, optimism, and a focus on awareness of strengths offers insights for individual and group development. Neuroscience advances in the 1990s and beyond shed light on what leaders need to know about how brains function and how this knowledge can guide decision-making concerning colleague motivation with more intention than chance. The learning sciences provide a framework for understanding the process of learning and the ability to create innovative learning environments. These fields, positive psychology, neuroscience, and the learning sciences, offer valuable insight into practices that should guide program and employee development more effectively. Key recommendations for leaders resulting from this review of literature include: leading from a strengths-based perspective, creating meaning using job-crafting strategies, crafting inspiring and motivating feedback, increasing productivity with a focus on wellness, and evoking positive emotions.