Module 2: The impact of negativity
STEP 1: UNDERSTAND
Negativity crushes innovative thinking. NOTE! We are not talking about constructive feedback or critical thinking. What we are trying to show you in this module is that when someone shares an idea if the first reaction or reactions from others are phrases like 'yeah but,' 'that won't work,' or 'the problem with that is' then the idea is in trouble. We actually say that the idea is under attack? And what do people do when they are under attack? They retreat or they fight back, i.e. the flight or fight phenomenon that we all, as human beings, possess. Also, continuing with the theme of being under attack, people can become scared. In fact, others watching the attack become scared as well. Google did extensive research on the question 'what makes the perfect team' and they concluded that what is needed more than anything is what researchers call 'Psychological Safety.' This is CRITICAL to innovation and creative thinking. If people do not feel safe to share ideas then they will be less engaged and when they are less engaged innovation suffers. Who knew a simple 'yeah but' could have such a devastating effect?
Watch the videos below to get a better sense of what we are describing.
STEP 1: UNDERSTAND
Negativity crushes innovative thinking. NOTE! We are not talking about constructive feedback or critical thinking. What we are trying to show you in this module is that when someone shares an idea if the first reaction or reactions from others are phrases like 'yeah but,' 'that won't work,' or 'the problem with that is' then the idea is in trouble. We actually say that the idea is under attack? And what do people do when they are under attack? They retreat or they fight back, i.e. the flight or fight phenomenon that we all, as human beings, possess. Also, continuing with the theme of being under attack, people can become scared. In fact, others watching the attack become scared as well. Google did extensive research on the question 'what makes the perfect team' and they concluded that what is needed more than anything is what researchers call 'Psychological Safety.' This is CRITICAL to innovation and creative thinking. If people do not feel safe to share ideas then they will be less engaged and when they are less engaged innovation suffers. Who knew a simple 'yeah but' could have such a devastating effect?
Watch the videos below to get a better sense of what we are describing.
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STEP 2: EXPERIENCE
Want to experience first hand how devastating negativity can be on your culture? Play the two games below and then answer the reflection questions below in Step 3.
Want to experience first hand how devastating negativity can be on your culture? Play the two games below and then answer the reflection questions below in Step 3.
Click here to play
The Balloon Effect. |
Click here to play
Negativity Smash! |
STEP 3: REFLECT and DO
1. Review the questions below again from the games and simulations
1. Review the questions below again from the games and simulations
The Balloon Effect reflection questions
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Negativity Smash! reflection questions
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2. Find someone to talk to. It could be a co-worker, a family member, or a friend. Tell them you would like to do an exercise with them. Ask this person to share an idea about something they like, they suggest you and the person should do, etc. The topic doesn't matter. When they are sharing the idea start to frown and then, when they are done, tell the person that his or her idea is 'dumb' or that 'it will never work.' How did they react? Ask them how they felt? Make sure you tell them this is only for fun!