“…And What Else?” September 2021 newsletter

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

September 2021

Success begins by asking the right questions. So why not a newsletter that asks a powerful question… “and what else?”

Hope these insights pierce through the clutter and create a moment to reflect on your purpose.

First Thoughts

Positive thinking. I think it works. I’m positive. I think.

In 2005 Marcial Losada and Barbara Frederickson published research claiming that there is an exact number of positive emotional activities required to overcome a single negative encounter. The number they proposed was three. Three positive interactions were needed to overcome that negative one. This research quickly caught on (often referred to as the “Losada Line”) with consultants and coaches, many implementing the idea in practice with eye-catching PowerPoint presentations and YouTube videos. Yet, as scientists do, subsequent research debunked the research, questioning the validity of the number—or any number for that matter. Yet, the practice of encouraging three positive interactions carries on as a staple in team coaching and leadership training. Why? Because what research doesn’t substantiate, action and impact does. More positive interactions are better than less. Period. Does the number really matter? So while theories can sometimes fall out of favor, occasionally one comes along that advocates for something so obviously good that no research is needed to substantiates its value.

So go ahead. Initiate those three positive interactions today. I won’t tell the social scientists.

Thinking Out Loud Blog

Got Mission?

(From the Archives)

The purpose of a business—ummm, let me rephrase—the purpose of an organization is to achieve its mission.

How do I know? Because successful companies illustrate it every day. When companies are driven by a mission – aka their purpose – their direction is framed and people and decisions are aligned. Proof? READ MORE

The Forty-Two Challenge

Question #25: What can you give the world today? Something uniquely you.

The Challenge: It seems everyone is talking about purpose. “Purpose” —It sounds so big; so hard; so involved. But it doesn’t have to be. Surely you have something to give, don’t you? Well, that’s purpose. The challenge? What do you do well that you can give the world today? It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be you. You’ve got something. I know it.

Share your reflections on your favorite social channel. #FortyTwoQuestions

Worth Reading

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

We got it backwards. Success does not create happiness. Happiness creates success. This short but powerful read provides loads of fire power next time you encounter someone who says, “eh, optimism is just a nice to have.” Sling this at them: optimistic sales people outsell pessimistic ones by 56%.

Thought Starter: Research supports that our beliefs can impact our efforts and directly change concrete results. So, what do you believe in and what can that create?

Worth Watching

Blame, Brene Brown

Blame misdirects our energy, blinding us to opportunities for empathy.

Thought Starter: Next time something goes off the rails, instead of looking for someone to blame, search for cause. Cause is where to find dialog, empathy, and often a solution.

Leadership Programs & Services

Strategic Advising

Using the FORTY-TWO STRATEGY PROCESS we work with you to create alignment with your organization’s purpose. With renewed purpose and clear alignment, your organization can:

Improve financial performance
Consistently development and execute strategy
Align the team with a common vision and purpose
Create a balanced approach to measuring success
Engage employees

Is it time to realign? Learn more about the Forty-Two Consulting approach to Mission Alignment.

Final Thoughts

My dad was a writer. One day while in college I received a letter from him. It contained a $20 bill with a note that read, “Love, Dad.” Sometimes we’re not paid by the word.

Executive Coaching & Strategic Advising