Choose the most formal and professional word to complete the business consultant's presentation.

"In corporate leadership, executives must _____ a positive attitude during challenging periods to inspire their teams and drive organizational success," the consultant explained to the board of directors.

The correct answer is maintain.

In formal business contexts, "maintain a positive attitude" is the preferred professional collocation. While "keep" is common in casual speech, "maintain" conveys the sustained, deliberate effort expected in executive leadership roles.