Building the foundation
Positive deviance, a powerful and underutilised concept, is at the heart of effective leadership. This entails intentionally deviating from the norm in ways that produce meaningful and beneficial results. When leaders adopt this mindset, they frequently spark cultural change, inspire others, and energise their teams.
Positive deviance encourages us to seek out and amplify what is already effective. In organisations, this could be a team that thrives in the face of change or an individual who consistently inspires others. Rather than focusing on fixing what is broken, this approach aims to build on what is already strong.
Creating a positive climate
A positive climate is one in which people feel emotionally supported, valued, and safe. It is about fostering a work environment where people can thrive. According to research, a leader’s mood can influence up to 70% of their team’s experience. This means every interaction counts.
Positive emotions, such as gratitude, appreciation, and compassion, help build resilience, improve collaboration, and boost performance. Leaders can foster this by acknowledging contributions, demonstrating care in daily interactions, and providing opportunities to celebrate both small and large wins.
Investing in positive relationships
Great teams are based on strong relationships. Trust, connection, and mutual respect allow people to take risks, innovate, and support one another. Leaders play an essential role in developing and maintaining these connections.
Positive leaders create psychologically safe environments in which team members feel comfortable speaking openly without fear of retribution. They look at the whole person, as well as tasks and performance metrics. They show interest in others, ask thoughtful questions, and truly listen.
They also become “positive energisers” – people who inspire others through their actions, enthusiasm, and presence. These energisers can boost team morale and performance simply by being themselves. Leaders model this behaviour, setting the tone for a culture that values human connection as much as results.
These practices serve as the foundation for thriving leadership. Leaders who deviate positively, foster emotional safety, and form deep connections unlock potential throughout their organisations.
Deb is a Senior Consultant who is passionate about Positive Leadership and brings with her a wealth of experience to help individuals and organisations thrive.
If you’re curious about how Positive Leadership could benefit you or your team, get in touch with Deb to explore our leadership and capability programmes and start a meaningful conversation.
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