Research Catches Up with Reality

Twenty-five years ago, when I began my work on positive leadership communications, skeptics challenged me on my assertion that for every negative statement there should be at least four positive statements, the usual 80/20 rule. In truth, since there was no research at this at the time and my Ph.D dissertation on positive feedback was the first of its kind, I adopted the 80/20 rule simply because it was a formula my clients already knew. Where were the researchers when I needed them?

As they were not accustomed to giving or receiving and positive feedback at all, they considered my 80/20 request radical indeed, another instance in which I was too early, a natural futurist. Now, a quarter-century later, researchers at the University of Michigan have found that companies with 50/50 ratio of positive to negative statement have negative performance and have found that it takes a ratio of 90/10 positive statements in order to receive excellent results! At last, I have support from the researchers. I was too conservative! Now I can tell my clients about the 90% rule and actually have research to back me up.

In my field, the academics are usually behind the practitioners and when the researchers catch up to us. How excellent is your company in its positive communication habits? In every meeting you attend, what percentage of the statements are positive versus negative? What percentage of your statements are positive versus negative? How close are you to the 90% excellence line? For one week, count your positive versus negative statements. How are you doing?

If you need help and want the input of a professional expert whose passion this has been for 25 years, consult the book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, email us at: www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com, or call us for assistance at 480-767-1717.

Wishing you every success and happy counting! Remember, What You Say Is What You Get(R).

"Build Your Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote

Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.