The Dark Night of the Soul

robertequinn–common good, courage, transformation–July 23, 2015

There are times when managers transform into leaders. Sometimes the trigger is a personal life crisis and sometimes it is an organizational crisis. Because of the crisis they enter the dark night of the soul and they have to choose between the fear driven self and the conscience driven self. When they make the latter choice, they tend to commit to purpose, increase in integrity and authenticity, orient to the common good, and initiate the journey of collective learning. The organization becomes more positive.

Integration and Differentiation

robertequinn–conflict, differentiation, integration, letters to garrett, self sacrifice–July 22, 2015

Differentiation is normal and it causes conflict. Conflict turns many organizations negative. In positive organizations leaders do the work necessary to integrate differentiated systems.

Why Flourishing at Work Feels so Miraculous

robertequinn–flourishing, positive culture, seeing possibility–July 21, 2015

When the relationships between people are enriched the whole system begins to flourish. When people experience flourishing, they do things that are not done in normal, fear-based organizations.

On Being Unique

robertequinn–authenticity, building the bridge as you walk on it, fundamental state of leadership, unique–July 20, 2015

As we increase our integrity, we can align ourselves with the uniqueness of the emerging reality in which we live. Our courage then invites others to do the same.

Igniting Potential

robertequinn–creative engagement, emergent process, excellence, potential–July 17, 2015

In a positive organization people feel valued. They feel invited to engage in experiences that ignite their potential. They sense that they are becoming more courageous, competent, intelligent, caring, unified and visionary. They are.

A Surprising Key to Organizational Change

robertequinn–authenticity, deep change field guide, model behavior–July 16, 2015

Deep organizational change has to be led by a person who is willing to make deep personal change. Few people believe this and few organizations succeed at deep change.

If you Hear the Music, you can Change the Dance

robertequinn–culture change, leadership, listening, positive mental map–July 15, 2015

The music of positive organizing originates from the human conscience. It is the music of leadership and change. When we align with it, we begin to pursue the highest good. As our bodies move in new ways, others begin to move with us and soon the organization is dancing to a new tune.

Drowning in Your Own Routines

robertequinn–best practices, positive culture, routines–July 14, 2015

unning an organization, I noticed a problem. My people were drowning in their own routines. They mindlessly repeated the routines regardless of the level of effectiveness. It became clear that I needed to create a culture of continuous improvement.

Listening to Change

robertequinn–control, emerging future, listening–July 13, 2015

The deeply disappointed professor seemed to shrink behind his podium. After all we had been through, this student could not comprehend the notion of reducing control enough to join with another human being in learning and mutual creation of the emerging future. This notion remains a mystery to many people.

The Real-Deal, Positive Organization, Social Media Giveaway

robertequinn–book, contest–July 10, 2015

The prize package includes:
2 indoor club seats to the University of Michigan / BYU football game on September 26
1 $50 gift card for Zingerman’s (otherwise known as the most positive and most positively delicious organization in Ann Arbor – also mentioned in our previous blog post).
A copy of The Positive Organization
A set of amazing business books and pamphlets from Zingerman’s