Do you want to be a positive agent?

I discussed the “Titanic” mindset of helplessness in Positive Power blog post #1. This passive attitude and its paralyzing effects seem pervasive. This conventional “hierarchy-scarcity” mindset is passed on, reinforced and deeply embedded.

We were raised to be obedient – to fit in – to wait for permission from whoever was in charge. We were raised to work hard to make a living in a competitive world. Even though times are changing and new generations seem more autonomous, proactive, and trusting in abundance, this old mindset is still dominant.

Regardless of your formal position, you can be a positive agent Share on X

I focus on workplaces because we spend so much time at work. Organizations are pressure cookers and excellent learning labs for that reason. We have to make do with these coworkers, with that team you lead, with this particular bureaucracy, this political environment or that self-glorifying CEO. What can you do? Well, way more than you think…

Be a Positive Agent

I write for leaders, consultants, and employees who want to make a positive difference. Let’s beat those Gallup scores and engage ourselves and our organizations.

Regardless of your formal position, you can be a positive agent. You don’t need permission or resources from anyone.

Let’s explore the mindset of positive possibilities and abundance. Let’s understand how we make many differences in a myriad of ways. Let’s rediscover our agency and our responsibility.

When you’ve got that, you can influence your circles of connection by positive interactions, by positive action, by positive inquiry. If you change yourself, you add to your workplace, and the world.

I’d like to see at least 10,000 positive agents by 2020 to spread positive change in their organizations and beyond.
Let’s beat pessimism and fatalism and acquiescence.

Does your organization need to become more innovative, competitive, agile, and better at change? Are your employees disengaged? As a leader, personally embody the change you want to see on the team.
Do you hate going to work on Monday? As an employee, influence your boss, co-workers, and clients by positive interaction – or find a better place to work.
Do your clients wear you out? As a consultant or coach – show the way and walk the talk.
Afraid of joining the workforce after college? As a student, help our workplaces get back to the future by bringing your personal positive power to your first job.
Not looking forward to the Trump era in the USA? It’s an invitation to harness your personal positive power and to be the change you wish to see in the world.

Let's have 10,000 positive agents by 2020 to spread positive change Share on X

We need You, too

The world and the workplace need you. Not just your boss, or those mighty experts, or the system with its official authority. We need YOUR positive power and presence. This is your world, and your workplace, too. Be a positive agent.

About organizations: they need to become better at change, agiler, responsive to the fast pace of technology and global competition, more innovative, just, and sustainable. But they have a hard time doing so – and no wonder.

People are waiting for the boss to create a vision, to solve the problems, or to give permission. Or they feel unsafe in a political hierarchy and are hiding to protect themselves. The majority is not engaged and not contributing.

We are operating from this outdated hierarchy-scarcity paradigm: “There should be one leader who knows best and tells us what to do. We, the people, can’t make a difference – we need a leader.”

Being the leader, you’ll be exhausted and pushing and pulling employees (trying to engage, and motivate, etc).

Being the follower, you’re either bored, anxious, obstinate, or criticizing and, eventually, doing what you’re told as long as the boss is in sight.

What we need is the opposite. Organizations need fast collaboration among autonomous professionals in flexible roles.

As a leader, you’ll be surprised by the speed, quality, energy, and self-organization that people display to achieve shared purposes and goals. All you do is facilitate them, help them overcome obstacles, and support to align differences and keep the vision alive.

As a follower, you’re served by a leader who leaves you be – trusting that you can do your job. The one with the leading role only paves the way if needed, coaches you to find other possibilities, and helps to coordinate and collaborate and align everyone’s interests to the shared purpose.

Personal positive power is what you can do, without needing permission or resources from others, from any position or role.
You can make a difference, even if there’s only one of you. You influence others by embodying a positive mindset, and by displaying positive actions and interaction. You can start now. Take ownership of your part.

Positive Agents contribute their personal positive power to the world. Here’s the Positive Agent Manifesto if you’re interested.

This is book post #2 – introduction

Here’s the earlier post
Here’s the next post

If you’re confused – please start with post #1 or check the overview.

Leaders, employees, consultants, citizens – everyone can make a positive difference from any position, without needing permission or resources from others. This blog will help you see positive possibilities and (re)claim your positive agency. Unstuck yourself and engage others by your interaction and actions. Transform into a positive organization where people and performance thrive.

I’m blogging my next book: “Positive Power at Work – How to make a positive difference from any position.” Your feedback is appreciated!

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