Accentuate the Positive

It’s hard to believe, but it takes seven positive statements to counter one negative.  I heard that early in my career in business, and I didn’t believe it—but I sure do now.

When you are looking for behavior change, you need to tell people all the many good things they do to counteract the one significant change or improvement you are looking for.  You want them to hear the opportunities for improvement, but if you want them in a positive mode to be able to hear those, make sure you are noisy about all they do well. Think about it.  Few of us walk around saying, “Gosh, he did that so well.” We all focus on what needs to be fixed.  To get people to really listen, lay out the positives to pave the way for action on the key item that needs improvement.  And consider sharing ways in which they can improve.