GREATER IMPACT THROUGH BETTER FOCUS
A study published in JAMA Network Open presents interesting findings on how focusing on positive emotions influences motivation and well-being. The results showed that the group that worked more systematically with positive factors achieved greater improvements in well-being, motivation, and optimism about the future. Translated into an organizational context, the findings are fundamentally about performance and effectiveness:
1. SHIFT FOCUS FROM PROBLEMS TO WHAT WORKS
Many organizations focus primarily on problems, risks, and deviations. This often creates a reactive approach to management. The study highlights the value of also directing attention toward what is working well, since this is where performance is created and strengthened.
2. IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS BY REINFORCING THE RIGHT WAYS OF WORKING
Organizational performance is largely driven by everyday behaviors: how decisions are made, how quickly action is taken, how responsibilities are assigned, and how feedback is used. When these practices are systematically reinforced, organizations improve both speed, quality, and coordination.
3. REDUCE ORGANIZATIONAL FRICTION THROUGH A BETTER FOCUS IN FOLLOW-UP
When follow-up activities focus primarily on problems, organizations tend to spend most of their energy managing deviations and shortcomings. When attention is also given to what is working well, a more balanced perspective emerges. This reduces internal friction and strengthens execution capability.
4. IMPROVE LEADERSHIP PRECISION IN DECISION-MAKING
Leadership teams that have access to data on both obstacles and success factors can make more precise decisions. They can identify what should be scaled, standardized, or adjusted. This increases the quality of decision-making and reduces reliance on assumptions.
CONCLUSION:
Higher performance and greater effectiveness are not achieved solely by reducing problems. They are achieved by systematically strengthening the behaviors and ways of working that already contribute to successful outcomes.
For more information, contact:
Marcos Jorge, CEO at IC-Potential AB, +46 708-660 360 marcos.jorge@ic-potential.com
