Positivity isn’t soft

Somewhere along the way, positivity became soft within the workplace. Either branded as “squishy” or confused with being overly happy and fake – many companies have missed the mark by not viewing positivity as a competitive advantage and a key driver of organizational performance.  

Our team of researchers at Deutser have extensively studied positivity and surveyed more than 25,000 people. That work includes researching the history and early definitions – often defined as ‘lack of negativity.’ Through our research and study of positivity as a powerful leadership tool – especially for the human-centered leader – we have created an attainable and measurable definition with a direct correlation to performance, retention, and the bottom line.   

Deutser views positivity as a frame of mind that transforms one or more individuals and their organizations through the ability to collectively harness these five essential elements:  

1. Inspiration – the ability to motivate and lift up
    
2. Mindfulness – the ability to be fully present and aware in a given moment
    
3. Happiness – the ability to feel a sense of joy
    
4. Optimism – the ability to anticipate the best possible outcome 
    
5. Gratitude – the quality of being thankful 

By naming these concepts, we give meaning and measure to positivity, so it can therefore be precisely evaluated and influenced.  

The summary of our research shows key benefits to organizational performance:  

• Positivity is a core driver of performance and can determine a company's ability to achieve its desired future state in a more expedient manner.  
   
• Positivity has a tangible, measurable impact on business outcomes. 
   
• Positivity is a distinguishable and essential factor in all high-performing organizations. 
   
• It is possible to identify individual drivers that can influence positivity. 
   
• Increasing positivity will improve key drivers of organizational culture and performance.  

To learn more about our research & thought leadership at Deutser, visit our Latest page.