Good Vibrations Make a Difference

Creating Positive Energy in Business

In business, we need expertise, skills, and sometimes, a bit of luck. As it turns out, good vibes can make a big difference and help compensate for any shortcomings we might have.

Josh Freedman explains:

“Emotions are contagious. Feelings spread between people like a virus, even if we’re not paying attention to emotions. Whether we’re in a group or with one other person, we can ‘catch’ both positive and negative emotions.”
(6seconds.org, p. 4)

Wayne Baker elaborates:

“To understand how this works, think of people in your workplace who buoy you up, who lift your spirits. What do they do? What do they say? Some people are energizing because they give off positive vibes... Others energize us because they create genuine connections. In conversations, for example, they devote their full attention and listen carefully.”
(Harvard Business Review, p. 2)

And from AUAOM.com:

“Smiling is contagious, so when you smile, others will also likely return the smile, creating happiness all around... Remember there’s a noticeable difference in a fake smile and a genuine smile.”
(AUAOM)

So, how do you go about generating all this positive energy? It doesn’t work to fake it—everyone sees through that. You don’t want to come across like a “happy clown.” Instead, try these behaviors to naturally foster positivity:

• Maintain an open mind
• Listen with genuine interest
• Share authentic smiles
• Assume positive intent
• Avoid defensiveness (the corruptor of relationships)

The quality of your connections determines how your co-workers regard you, how well your boss listens to you, and whether your customer gives you their full attention. Being positive and giving off good vibes truly matters... (do I hear The Beach Boys singing?)