Lessons from My High School Reunion: Applying Positive Intelligence to Enhance Your Workplace
Ever had one of those moments where you look back on a past experience and suddenly see it in a whole new light? Something that felt trivial or even downright unpleasant at the time turns out to be a goldmine of insight and wisdom. I recently attended my high school reunion and reflected on my experience using Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence framework.
Recognizing and Silencing the Inner Critic: Building Confidence and Positive Relationships at Work
For years, I worried about what my friends thought of me after our friendships ran their course. Turns out, they thought way more highly of me than I ever imagined. This realization reminded me of the Judge saboteur in Positive Intelligence—the inner critic that's always nitpicking and undermining our self-worth.
Imagine how effective and happy we’d be at work if we didn’t let our judge give us a hard time! Start calling out your judge in the moment and you will begin to take away its power. It will make a world of difference in your confidence.
Shifting to a Sage perspective will help us build strong, positive relationships that stand the test of time.
Workplace Peace: Managing Inner Conflicts for a Better Environment
Thinking back to my teenage years, I remember how spending more time with boyfriends than girlfriends created anxiety and uncertainty. I was in a minefield of conflicting desires to belong. This inner turmoil was courtesy of the Restless saboteur, constantly seeking validation and fretting over societal norms. Recognizing these inner conflicts helps us navigate similar complexities at work, where expectations can be equally contradictory. By managing our saboteurs, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves without fear of judgment.
Be the Light: Transforming Workplace Energy with Positive Intelligence
Have you ever noticed how some people light up a room while others seem to drain its energy? That's the Victim saboteur at play, making us feel powerless and affecting the vibes we bring to work. But when we tap into the Sage's ability to inspire and uplift, we become a positive force that can transform team dynamics. Imagine a workplace where everyone's presence boosts morale and fosters collaboration. That’s the kind of place where I want to work, and I bet you do too.
From Bonfire Bliss to Reunion Drama: Creating a Positive Work Environment by Managing Saboteurs
I’ll never forget the stark difference between the casual bonfire party and the class reunion. The bonfire was relaxed and affirming, while the arrival of the "it girls" at the reunion immediately changed the atmosphere. This is a perfect parallel to workplace scenarios where certain individuals can make or break the team spirit. The Controller saboteur could have caused anxiety, pushing me to manage the situation. But by leaning into the Sage's empathy and compassion, we create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, minimizing the impact of any negative disruptors.
Applying Positive Intelligence in the Workplace
1. Identify and Manage Saboteurs: Get to know your internal saboteurs that mess with your thoughts and actions. By quieting them, you’ll see situations more clearly and act more effectively.
2. Cultivate Sage Powers: Develop your Sage powers—Empathy, Exploration, Innovation, Navigation, and Activation. These will enhance your interactions and decision-making processes.
3. Practice Mental Fitness: Engage in practices that boost your mental fitness, like mindfulness, gratitude, and presence. These will keep you grounded and resilient.
4. Foster a Positive Work Environment: Encourage appreciation, kindness, and inclusivity. Recognize and celebrate the positive contributions of your team members, and create safe spaces for expression.
5. Lead with Empathy and Compassion: Whether you’re a leader or a team member, strive to be a positive influence. Your empathy and understanding can create a harmonious and productive work environment.
