In a recent Getting Smart blog post, School Culture and Relationships Thrive with a 5:1 Positivity Ratio, Mary Ryerse teases out the premise that positive and productive cultures are built one relationship at a time. What distinguishes high performing teams from low-performing teams in terms of the ratio of positive comments? The number one factor is a ratio of 5 positive comments to every negative one.
Common sense tells us we shouldn’t blindly say “yes” or “great job” to everything. According to the Harvard Business Review, here’s why strategic negative feedback is also key:
A little negative feedback goes a long way. It is an essential part of the mix. Why is that? First, because of its ability to grab someone’s attention. Think of it as a whack on the side of the head. Second, certainly, negative feedback guards against complacency and groupthink.
Building upon this 5:1 positivity ratio, Ryerse offers 5 tips for building a positive and productive culture, one relationship at a time:
1. Recognize the importance of relationship.
2. Build on strengths.
3. Take time to listen.
4. Laugh.
5. Engage in a challenge.
At Mayerson Academy the importance of building on strengths is the focus of our Thriving Learning Communities highlighted in this Getting Smart post. Also featured is our current #5toThrive Challenge which encourages school leaders to dedicate five minutes each day over the next month to engage in simple activities that will reframe thinking and improve school culture. In support of engaging in this Challenge, we are offering a free digital toolkit with daily 5 minute activities designed to be completed in one month. Education leaders can also request a free desktop calendar that includes 32 weeks of activities and prompts. Visit our store and use the code “5tothrive” to receive your free activity calendar (we are not currently able to ship this product outside the United States and Canada.)
Visit the Getting Smart blog to read the complete post.
