Positive Intelligence

Positive intelligence is an important trait to have in all situations. Unfortunately, most people do not understand the implications of being positive in the workforce. According to Achor (2012), “Research shows that when people work with a positive mindset, performance on nearly every level—productivity, creativity, engagement—improves. Yet happiness is perhaps the most misunderstood driver of performance” (p. 100). Interestingly enough, “Most people think that success precedes happiness” (Achor, 2012, p. 100). In reality, happiness produces success. As a practical example, some employees believe the following: “Once I get a promotion, I’ll be happy.” Research has shown that if an employee is happy, he or she will perform at higher levels and as a result will be more inclined to get a promotion. In fact, in a sweeping meta-analysis of 225 academic studies reported in Harvard Business Review, researchers found that “happy employees are, on average, 31% more productive. Their sales are also 37% higher, and their creativity is three times higher” (Achor, 2012, p. 102). Therefore, it is important for managers and leaders to be able to develop new habits by training one’s brain to be positive. It is also important to help coworkers because “in a study of 1,648 Harvard students “social support was the greatest predictor of happiness during periods of high stress” (pp. 101-102). As a matter of fact, Achor further states, “employees who score the highest on providing social support are 40% more likely to receive a promotion in the following year, report significantly higher job satisfaction, and feel ten times more engaged by their jobs than people who score in the lowest quartile” (p. 102). Finally, it should be mentioned that changing one’s relationship with stress can help with having a positive mindset. Stress should be strategically used as a means of motivation because “stress is just not an obstacle to growth; it can be the fuel for it” (Achor, 2012, p. 102). In other words, your professional growth relates to your attitude toward stress.

Reference: Achor, S. (2012). Positive Intelligence. Harvard Business Review, January-February 2012, 100-102.

Case Assignment

Drawing on the material in the background readings and doing additional research, please prepare a 4-5 page paper (not including the cover and reference pages) in which you:

• What is it important to have positive intelligence? How can having positive intelligence help an HR manager or professional become more effective and productive?
•  How would you explain positive intelligence to your employees?
• What trainings could you provide your employees for enhancing their positive intelligence levels?
• Do you think it is more important to have high a IQ (intelligence quotient) or positive intelligence in the workforce? Justify your response.
• Provide an example of how you use positive intelligence in your personal life/work?