“The system does not work without confidence”, states US investment guru Warren Buffett and while his comments are related to the way the financial markets work, they have some relevance to all human systems – the way our teams and organisations work, and the way that we function in a individual sense.
Since our initial 2009 newsletter touched on this theme and a generated a strong response to the article, The Art of Possibility: Staying Up in a Down World (Click here to read if you missed it) we decided to continue this focus into March. It seems an appropriate theme to launch our new look newsletter - after all, our whole approach to coaching and leadership development is based solidly on principles drawn from Positive Psychology, Adult Learning theory and Appreciative Inquiry. And significantly, the concepts surrounding ‘positivity’ are going to be needed more than ever in the coming months...and beyond.
A leading figure in this area of ‘positivity’ is Dr Barbara Fredrickson, professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina, who has done more than anyone to add research rigour to the new science of positive psychology. Her new book, Positivity (2009 Crown Publishers: New York) brings together the findings from her substantial research and presents the implications in a readily accessible format. Here are some of the highlights...
What is ‘Positivity’?
‘Positivity’ is about the creating of, the focusing on and the experiencing of positive emotions and their impact on human flourishing. (The top 10 positive emotions are: joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe and love )
Why is it important?
”Your mild and fleeting pleasant states are far more potent than you think” states Fredrickson and her highly regarded, Broaden and Build theory demonstrates why positivity is such a significant influence on how we live and work. This theory, based on a large number of studies, argues that experiencing positive emotions is a significant ‘broadening’ influence. These positive emotions (and her top 10 are listed above) ‘broaden thinking’, creativity and self awareness. And they have an investment in the future dimension helping build resilience, the ability to cope with and move on from disappointment and difficult experiences.
The research findings indicate that a 3:1 ratio of positive to negative emotional states is the ‘tipping point’ that shifts people into predominantly positive emotional states with all the important productivity, health and relationship benefits that go with that. And the research confirms that these benefits are quite considerable.
In summary, Fredrickson argues for 6 Key facts about Positivity:
- Positivity Feels Good
- Positivity Broadens Minds
- Positivity Builds Resources
- Positivity Fuels Resilience
- Positivity Ratios Above 3:1 Forecast Flourishing
- People Can Raise Their Positivity Ratios
How do you get it?
The second half of the book elaborates on 12 specific tools and processes for increasing the Positivity Ratio. They include such things as: Be Open; Create High Quality Connections; Cultivate Kindness; Develop Distractions; Dispute Negative Thinking; Learn and Apply Your Strengths; Meditate Mindfully; Ritualise Gratitude; Visualise a Positive Future. Some of these are not brand new and can be found in the work of Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson and others in the positive psychology field but Fredrickson’s research brings an urgent, compelling case for getting started on putting them into practice right now!
It is difficult to do justice to these strategies in a short article like this and all are explained and developed fully in the book. Here is one simple approach that works...
The Ritualising Gratitude approach has appeared in a number of places recently and is a simple and powerful technique. Simply grab a notebook and for a set period – 10 days or more – write down 3 things for which you can be grateful for each day. It helps to add a sentence or two explaining why each good thing happened since it strengthens their impact. Try it and notice how the positive emotion evoked through gratitude serves to broaden and build!
As leaders and coaches we are significant influencers of the culture and tone of our workplaces... and of our conversations. With the evidence now coming in so clearly that ‘positive beats negative’, we have a responsibility to nourish our own ‘positivity ratios’ so that we are confidence builders and positive contributors to the teams and workplaces and conversations which we lead. After all as Warren Buffet states, “The system does not work without confidence.”
Have a great month!
John Campbell and Mandy O’Bree
Directors
growth coaching international
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