In workshops, participants often ask something like this: “In practical terms, what is a positive organization?” I no longer answer. Instead, I invite them to create their own definition. I put them through an exercise. When they finish, something important happens. They say things like this: “When I started writing it down, it became real and it seemed possible.”
The sentence is crucial. It captures a necessary change. Until managers believe that positive organizing is real, they cannot create positive organizing. The following exercise is designed to help build belief.
Exercise: Defining and Creating a Positive Organization
- What is your organization like when it is at its best? Write some key words.
- Read the following checklist. Underline any phrase you want to add to your list of key words. (Checklist is below.)
- Reviewing your list of words, write your own definition of a positive organization. Be sure it is practical, something your people will understand. Put it in their language.
- Then write a strategy that will turn your organization positive.
Checklist: Positive Organizing
Meaningful Intent: _We have a higher purpose _We have a shared vision _We are driven by a strategic plan _We are pursuing possibilities we believe in Spontaneous Contribution: _We surrender self-interest _We sacrifice for the common good _We spontaneously give of ourselves _Ego goals become contribution goals Full Engagement: _We care about what we are doing _We are engaged _We are giving all we have _We are fully committed Full Inclusion: _The outliers feel invited in _The obstinate are beginning to believe _Everyone feels like they belong _No energy is lost dealing with resisters Positive Peer Pressure: _More positive norms emerge _Expectations align with the purpose _Negative peer pressure becomes positive _Peers confront the underperformers Collaborative Relationships: _We take a win-win mentality _Competition becomes collaboration _Teamwork is natural _We become a dynamic whole Creative Effort: _We try new ideas _We take intelligent risks _We improvise _We make discoveries as we move forward Positive Regard: _Our language is affirming _No one is being judged _Positive appreciation is expressed _We value each other |
Shared Vulnerability: _We share personal vulnerability _We reveal our own mistakes _We ask questions when we fail to understand _We ask each other for help Constructive Confrontation: _Truth becomes more important than power _Communication is authentic _People share what they really feel _Ideas are respectfully challenged Spontaneous Leadership: _Leadership emerges spontaneously _Leadership moves from person to person _Everyone leads as appropriate _Everyone initiates as needed Collective Learning: _We co-create learning _We “piggy back” on to each other’s contributions _We create a shared mind _We feel we can figure out anything Time Discipline: _The pace is quick _We keep to our planned schedules _We deliver results on a timely basis _We persist so as to meet deadlines Recognizable Success: _We experience recognizable success _We receive praise from those we serve _We attract new business _Outsiders want to work with us Joyful Achievement: _We take joy in our outcomes _We infect each other with positive energy _Our growth creates enthusiasm _We love the work _ Attraction of Resources _Our success breeds success _New people want to work for us _New customers flow to us _Our work is in high demand |
(Write a definition and strategy below.)
Your Definition and Strategy
Write an Understandable Definition
Based on my own observations, I believe a positive organization has the following characteristics:
Write a Strategy
Based on my own definition of positive organizing, I believe we can turn our organization positive by doing the following:
Reflection
- What happens when we do not believe?
- Why is it important to start by examining your organization at its best?
- Why is it important to write in the language of your own people?
- How could we use this passage to create a more positive organization?
This is an awesome exercise! Thank you.