6 April 2009
Successful Intentions Newsletter
Hi ,
What does it feel like being dropped into a team?
Brazilian Mathematician, Marcial Losada has a pretty good idea. He observed team behaviour in a purpose-built observation room at the Center for Advanced Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Using several observers and specialized software he has been able to code the speech acts of business team members over multiple sessions.
In particular, he looked at the relationship between speech acts coded as inquiry (questions aimed at exploring and examining a position) or advocacy (arguing in favour of the speaker's position). And emotional space: the ratio between positivity (speech acts showing support, encouragement, or appreciation) and negativity (Showing disapproval, sarcasm, or cynicism).
Here's what he discovered:
Low performing teams were characterized by "fixed point attractors"; entirely unbalanced inquiry/advocacy toward self; and a highly restricted emotional space (i.e., a very low positivity/negativity ratio, typically around 0.4).
Medium performing teams had "limit cycle dynamics"; unbalanced inquiry/advocacy toward advocacy, and restricted emotional space (positivity/negativity ratios around 1.9).
High performing teams exhibited "complex dynamics"; balanced inquiry/advocacy; and a highly expansive emotional space (positivity/negativity ratios typically around 5.6).
Out of 60 business teams studied only 25% of them were high performing!
But what was really interesting was the discovery of a robust mathematical equation that defines the difference between flourishing or languishing, not only in business teams, but also in marriages!
"Losada's Number" is a positivity/negativity ratio of 2.9. Ratios at or above this number are associated with dynamics that are non-repetitive, innovative, highly flexible, and dynamically stable. Below this number is associated with behaviour described as languishing.
So , count the frequency of positive feelings you are receiving from those around you at work or at home, divide by the frequency of negative feelings, and if your P/N is below 2.9 perhaps it's time to "re-negotiate"!
Keep your intentions clear,
Peter Webb
P.S.
Check out my "Wisdom Circle" blog here - find out how to have breakfast with a Buddhist Nun and what it means when the tide goes out!
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