As a counselor and life coach, I have been exposed to various theories of human behavior and numerous therapeutic treatment modalities. Most of what I have learned involves identifying mental health disorders and creating treatment plans to deal with emotional distress, disability, and suffering. In other words, most of psychotherapy is about understanding misery and undoing the disabling conditions of life.

In recent years, I came across Positive Psychology. I fell in love with it! Based on rigorous science, Positive Psychology takes an entirely different and refreshing approach. It works to understand well-being and build positive psychological conditions that contribute to flourishing in life.

Here’s an example of research done by a proponent of Positive Psychology. I read about it in Flourishing by Martin Seligman. Sixty companies were selected to participate in the study. One-third were economically flourishing, one-third were just doing OK, and one-third were failing. Observers attended every business meeting at each company and transcribed the entire conversation. The transcriptions were reviewed and a ratio of positive to negative comments was determined for each company.

The findings were clear and decisive. Companies with better than 2.9 to 1 ratio for positive to negative statements were flourishing economically. Companies below that ratio were not doing well.  

Is your company flourishing economically, just doing OK, or failing? What would you guess is the ratio of positive to negative comments floating around your company? If this strikes a chord with you and you want to move toward more economic success, contact me.