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POSITIVE COMMUNICATION: THE MAGIC RATIO
Everyone knows that positive communication is better than negative.
It’s not only more pleasant; it also increases productivity
in the workplace. When people treat each other well, there is
more cooperation and less wasted time.
But how positive do you have to be? Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson
and mathematician Marcel Losada have found that the magic ratio
is 3:1. That is, for every negative communication, there should
be at least three positive ones. Research shows that work teams
that reach this ratio are much more productive than those that
don’t.
Here are some tips to give your workplace a more positive atmosphere:
• Say “Please” and “Thank you.”
These simple words, learned early in childhood, are often absent
in adult conversation -- especially from boss to subordinate.
Use them often.
• Give praise and compliments. People generally respond
to these with a desire to improve their good work, and to cooperate
with others.
• Acknowledge others by listening and making eye contact
while they speak. Your undivided interest will enhance their respect
for you.
• Do unexpected favors for others. Both you and the recipients
will feel more positive as a result.
• Complain only when you are really seeking a solution.
Don’t let grumbling become a social activity at work.
And don’t worry about things getting too happy at work.
According to Frederikson and Losada, productivity does decrease
when the ratio of positive to negative communications exceeds
13:1. But for most workplaces, that problem is a long way off.
This tip is provided courtesy of Pauline Wallin,
Ph.D., author, Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming
Self-defeating Behavior, and the Pennsylvania
Psychological Association (PPA) , sponsor of the
Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award. If you would like
to receive tips by email, contact PPA by phone or email: Rachael@papsy.org
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