Positivity®: How to Feel More Energized at Work

Below are audio and video plus a transcript of the conversation, including time stamps.

Productive employees want energy, motivation and drive to characterize their work life. Managers want their teams to possess these in abundance. And organizations envision an entire engaged, thriving workforce that overflows with these qualities. How can individuals high in Positivity^® bring energy and motivation to their workplaces? And how can managers high in Positivity foster a work environment that is energized, motivated and thriving? Join Gallup's Jim Collison and Dr. Jaclynn Robinson and discover how, using your Positivity theme, you can bring new energy and motivation to your role, your managing, your coaching.

With the glass-half-full approach, there's more of that solution-focused mindset. So even if there's a problem, ... let's think about some opportunities that might come from this.

Jaclynn Robinson, 8:13

Positive feedback probably feels more like the norm for you. I would say with that, though, make sure the feedback is specific to the team member.

Jaclynn Robinson, 12:45

Jim Collison 0:00
I am Jim Collison, and this is The CliftonStrengths^® Podcast, Season 3, recorded on February 26, 2024

Jim Collison 0:18
In this CliftonStrengths Podcast Series, we'll look at how to feel more energized and motivated at work one theme at a time; today's theme is Positivity. If you're listening live, you can join us in chat. Or if you have questions after the fact, maybe in the podcast or YouTube video, you can send your questions: coaching@gallup.com. Dr. Jaclynn Robinson is our host today. She works as a Senior Learning and Development Consultant and joined me for Seasons 1 and 2 of The CliftonStrengths Podcast, where we looked at Wellbeing at Work, the book, and our CliftonStrengths role-based reports. Jaclynn, always great to be with you. Welcome back!

Jaclynn Robinson 0:50
Thank you.

Jim Collison 0:52
We are spending some time this season talking about bringing energy and motivation to work -- to your themes. Today, we're talking about Positivity. Well, talk about the individual for -- yeah, it does kind of require a "Yay!", doesn't it?

Jaclynn Robinson 1:06
Yay, especially if you have it, we've got it.

Positivity: Questions for Individuals

Jim Collison 1:09
Bringing the gold. Bringing the gold today. So what are some ways an individual with Positivity can feel more energized by focusing on their basic needs?

Jaclynn Robinson 1:20
What I see happen, typically, right off the bat for those high in Positivity is you're considering the positive opportunities that come from conducting the work, or those expectations that you've got in the workplace. So that could be, you know, excitement about the opportunity to collaborate with team members or to learn something new or to engage with great customers. The second piece of that, as we think about creating energy with your basic needs, is to say, Do I have what I need to have an engaging experience as I complete the work? What else might be missing that I need to, you know, connect with my manager or team members on?

Jim Collison 1:59
What do you think about avoiding situations, like, I know I struggle if I've put myself in a situation that's overly critical, right? I -- not, and again, not that from a basic needs standpoint, not that I always, it always needs to be sunshine and rainbows, right? But, but, but sometimes when it gets bogged down or it's overly critical, I kind of struggle a little bit in that, and I need kind of an infusion, or I'll bring an infusion. Sometimes I just say, All right, enough. We're going to do this. I don't know -- anything you'd add to that?

Jaclynn Robinson 2:32
Yeah, that's true. That's where it can be helpful to know who your fellow champions are as an accountability partner -- those that can give you the boost when sometimes the Positivity is, you know, the fuel tank is on empty with your Positivity, because of that negative scenario. It's nice to have a person around you that can inject that enthusiasm back and help you reset and go, OK, what's the opportunity here? How do I get myself out of this challenge or this adversity?

Jim Collison 3:01
Yeah, I've been, if you've listened Friday -- today's just Monday; I've been sick all weekend. I, when I get sick, I always tell my wife, I am the place that illnesses go to die. I take this positive approach to it. I'm like, well, there's nothing I can do about it anyways, right? I can get rest and I can heal, but, but the, the fact of the matter is, I kind of even, in this, I take a positive approach to it and be like, well, it ends with me, you know, type deal, just to try and put me in that, in that positive mindset. What do you think are some ways an individual with a positive -- Positivity -- can feel more energized by focusing on their individual strengths and development?

Jaclynn Robinson 3:40
I think it can be easier to find the positive in all aspects of work, work life sometimes, because even when you're challenged, it's, it's, you know, that, that, that natural mindset is, Well ... , and then glass half-full. You know, you find the opportunity in the obstacle. So at times, I think it can be more difficult to pinpoint what truly gives you energy when you want to develop yourself further. And that's where, you know, connecting with a trusted confidant at work that can serve as an accountability partner or mirror -- that could even be your manager, if not a friend at work -- can be fruitful here. To say, "When have you seen me just shine and thrive?" That outside perspective, coupled with your best of the best days at work that you think about, can help you really start to identify and home in on what you truly love and what you seek to develop.

Jim Collison 4:35
Yeah, I'm trying to, as you were saying that, I'm trying to put into words -- I think sometimes we equate Positivity with happiness. And it can, and I think it does, have other terms, like contentment or like energy or, you know, I'm trying to think through some other words that -- enthusiasm, yeah. Or, you know, just maybe in a situation, I, I don't know, I think you said the word love. But if you didn't, I'll insert it in there. That may be one of those where it's, like, these emotions that drive us or push us forward, rather than hold us back, right. Fear holds us back; love pushes us forward. And those maybe aren't opposites. But it, you know, as I'm, as I'm thinking through that sometimes, with our own development, I think that Positivity can help both us and us help others in pushing the momentum forward. And maybe that's another word there is, is positive momentum. Again, I use the word in the definition, but, I don't know, respond to that. What else would you, what do you think about that?

Jaclynn Robinson 5:44
Yeah, I like what you're saying there, too. And that is that, that strand we often hear with the Positivity theme of being able to manage and overcome adversity or challenges, to push through, to sustain momentum. Sometimes, like we discuss with Self-Assurance^® or Activator^® in their own regards, of, you know, Self-Assurance, "Oh, I've got this!" Activator, "I'm not afraid to fail. I'll just try and fail until I get it right." Positivity is that other one that can help overcome adversity.

Jaclynn Robinson 6:12
So I, I hear and receive what you're saying, for sure. I think sometimes that's what I've noticed in, in coaching, too, is that's what can make it difficult at times to pinpoint, What do I really love? Because you're going to push through regardless and find, you know, sometimes that glass half-full, whether it's something that gives you a lot of energy or it doesn't. And so I think it can be helpful to think of, What are those best days that you have? When do you feel the energy the most? Or what are people saying where they see your face just light up, because you really love the work, to help you sort through where you want to develop specifically?

Jim Collison 6:49
Yeah, it is game-changing.

Jaclynn Robinson 6:50
Cause everything sounds energizing otherwise -- it can, can; I won't say does, but can.

Jim Collison 6:56
Yeah, in the context of relationships, it's game-changing. And it is powerful that, when it provides that, that boost, that accelerant, that whatever, to get people to moving forward. So let's ask this question: What are some ways an individual with Positivity can feel more energized by building partnerships and finding purpose within their role?

Jaclynn Robinson 7:20
Ooh, well, working on teams with engaged colleagues who are just as optimistic and/or committed to the mission and the work. You know, you feed off that positive energy and can reciprocate it back by celebrating the big and the small milestones that you and your team are achieving along the way. The partnerships that are going to feel more daunting or more difficult are those with the naysayers or the actively disengaged, the critical folks, those that are going to see the glass half-empty instead of half-full.

Jim Collison 7:53
Would you say Positivity brings perspective? It can bring perspective in a, like, in that kind of setting, to say, "Hey, there are other ways," you know, and it may be in a negative light, "there's some other ways to look at this." I don't know, any, any thoughts on that, bringing perspective?

Jaclynn Robinson 8:12
Yeah, I think with the glass-half-full approach, there's more of that solution-focused mindset. So even if there's a problem, let's think about the solution, or let's think about some opportunities that might come from this, where we can now, you know, shift gears or take ourselves in a new direction that's still going to help us hit that target, versus getting stuck in the weeds and having more of that closed-minded approach. Yeah, I would agree with you.

Positivity: Questions for Managers

Jim Collison 8:41
I see it providing that in an area, especially in the me to we, when we think about the, you know, that question's really designed around building partnerships. But in that team setting, to be able to just go beyond "It's going to be OK for me" to "It's going to be OK for us." And that's a challenge, like, you and I both know, with high Positivity, that that's not always well-received in a group setting; that's not always well-perceived, right? Because it being received and perceived are totally different things, and so the perception of it could be disingenuine, or the perception of it could be, you know, just, you're just overly happy, or you're always, you know, you're always overly excited about things. The, it being received in that way is the other challenge, where it actually has a ability to bridge the gap, or bring people to another place, or better the relationship, right, from that standpoint. So let's talk about the manager. How can a manager with, with Positivity support others with their basic needs?

Jaclynn Robinson 9:51
Well, by fostering a positive and motivating environment that generates optimism for the expectations. Share the benefits and the opportunities that come from the work that the team's about to endeavor upon, and then also inquire about the resources needed to carry out the work so that success and positive engagement can occur in that, that given task or team project.

Jim Collison 10:15
Yeah, it's, that's, this is a really hard role for a manager, I think, just because of the challenges that come with leading and, and how, how this, how that rubs up against it from time to -- I think sometimes in team settings, I mean, just think about what we've been through over the last 5 years. It can take an absolute beating in, in, in, in some environments. How do you think --

Jaclynn Robinson 10:47
Yeah, true.

Jim Collison 10:48
Yeah. How do you, let's, from a manager's stand, or just thinking about managers, managers with high Positivity, what would be your advice for those who have -- say they're having high Positivity, and they themselves are feeling kind of, kind of de-energized, you know, beat up a little bit. I don't know, what would you say to them?

Jaclynn Robinson 11:10
Ooh, yes. Find your avenue that allows you to recharge. So what helps you, you know, get your battery full again? And we, we've joked many times -- and I say "we" just internally within Gallup, if we're connecting with people -- and people that have Positivity, you almost feel like the superhero, you know, Superman or Superwoman, that has to go fly to the sun and get recharged. So sometimes the sunlight feels like it, it gives you energy just being outside, but it looks different for everybody. So if you've got Positivity high, what does recharge your battery? I've heard others say it's not necessarily being outside, but just being alone. You know, I need the weekend to myself to recharge, or I need to watch a happy movie; I need to watch a comedy, yeah, or crime -- hey, you've got two spectrums, right? It might be comedy that floats your boat; it might be crime time, crime time TV.

Jim Collison 12:12
Well, and getting some rest, getting some rest, getting some exercise. Those could be other, you know, what is that, what's that recharge? I love that. And really, a lot of these themes, as you think about it, that is also an answer to them, right? But finding that space to recharge -- How do I, how do I recharge myself? How do I, how do I, yeah, how do I get that done? How can a manager with Positivity help others feel seen, heard and valued as an individual?.

Jaclynn Robinson 12:42
Ooh, well, as someone that loves to celebrate and recognize others, positive feedback probably feels more like the norm for you. I would say with that, though, make sure the feedback is, you know, specific to the team member. What specifically did they do, or did the team do, that was strengths-based and successful? So remember just to lead that particular recognition or feedback with intention behind it and specifics behind it.

Jim Collison 13:11
What about --

Jaclynn Robinson 13:12
That certainly helps people feel valued when you're going, Ooh, yeah, I feel seen and recognized. But the why is going to make it that much more meaningful to them.

Jim Collison 13:20
Yeah. And I think even either with a, you know, it goes both ways, of recognizing that element of Positivity in it; of saying, "You know what? I am, I am really glad you said that!" Or I am, even if it's a smile, like, there have been times I've been doing something and somebody in a meeting, you know, they might smile in the meeting, or smile at me about something I said. And it actually kind of, you're like, Oh, you're listening. You're, you're hearing. Now, I'm a, you know, I'm a, I'm a book that's easy to read. I, I put all my emotions right here, right? Not everybody's that way, but it is, I think there's that good intent, you know, if someone, someone, there was a, this old saying, you know, "If your, if your heart's feeling it, tell your face, so we all know." And there's that, sometimes, there's that element, I think, of being seen, valued and heard, of letting, just letting people know. Like, just say something, smile. Like, do some recognition. I think those all, that all fits into this, this idea of Positivity. How can a manager with Positivity build trust, inspire and deepen team collaboration and community?

Jaclynn Robinson 14:36
As a manager with that more optimistic perspective on life, your regular words of encouragement and support can bring feelings of psychological safety and compassion to the team, and that can create a safe space for individuals to provide recognition to each other or even share out their hesitancies or obstacles that might be getting in the way. And then when the team does feel challenged by an obstacle, your can-do attitude can help inspire confidence and perseverance. Even going back to what you said, Jim, earlier, let's think about the options that are available to us here, so that it's solution-focused, in terms of obstacles, versus feeling stuck in a rut and getting stuck in the weeds.

Jim Collison 15:17
Yeah, and I think maybe even that ability, when we think about community, that ability, if a group begins to dive, to kind of change that direction a little bit, pull it back up -- through relationships, right? That just doesn't happen because we say so. Like, just because I say, "The sun will come up tomorrow," doesn't mean people, like, I think it's because of the relationships I built with them, right, that allow me, as a manager, to say, "Guys, I know it looks dark, but this is going to come around. We're going to be OK. We're going to get through this, right? We're going to figure this out." And I don't know why that's so powerful, to be honest. I think it's got to be built in as part of our human, you know, our human condition, that we know that, but when somebody else says it, and in the context of a relationship that we trust, it inspires us, right? I mean, you just --

Jaclynn Robinson 16:12
It is motivating.

Jim Collison 16:13
Yeah, yeah. It's just amazing the way that works, the psychology. You said, "psychological safety" in that, and I think it's a huge component of it, right? There's a lot of other things a part of that, but -- final question: How can a manager with Positivity support the growth of each team member?

Jaclynn Robinson 16:28
All right. Well, firstly, by discussing the team members' areas of strength and even any key moments in their journey that are just cause for recognition and celebration in your one-on-ones or developmental meetings. But then, when discussing areas requiring further development or skills training, this is where it sometimes, I see it gets tricky for those high in Positivity is offering constructive feedback. But frame it as an opportunity for growth, and then highlight the positive outcomes that can result from that development or from that skills training.

Jim Collison 17:01
As you think about wrapping this up, I think I'm going to be honest for a second. This is an area, while it's 6 for me, it's an area I could still work on more. I think sometimes I've leaned on it because it's easy. But I think the power of it, just as we've been talking about here, it's much greater in the context of team and team collaborations, and in my case, community. I think I need to work on it more. I don't think I can just rest -- what do they say? -- rest on your laurels? I don't think I can do, I can do that. I think I need to just, I need to start spending some time focusing on it, to say not just how do I do it, but how do I do it effectively, right? How do I turn that superpower? How do I take it from me to we? I guess I'm being honest and saying, I don't have it all together, right? And I think everybody knows that, but it's one of those kinds of things, as we've been talking about this. I think, Oh man, I could, I could be more intentional about this in what I do. Jaclynn, take a second, wrap this up for us.

Jaclynn Robinson 18:01
Yeah, well, I think we highlighted a lot of the strengths of Positivity today. You can overcome adversity or help people see that an obstacle might be an opportunity, because there's different pathways that are still available to achieve a goal. You help people in that sense of psychological safety, where they feel comfortable enough to share their celebrations with you or their obstacles with you. So continue to lean into that, because, like you mentioned earlier, Jim, it can be a morale booster for a lot of folks. It can be energizing for a lot of folks. The caveat that I would also share with Positivity is to ensure you're giving people opportunities to, you know, just have their emotions. It's easy, even when they're in, you know, a negative state, to say, "Oh, well, it's going to get better." But then it comes across as -- we've all heard the term -- as toxic Positivity. So just make sure, at the same time that you're, you know, being motivating and energizing, that you're allowing people that opportunity to have their lived experience first, to just kind of unpack their emotions before they reset. Because we all need to experience the full range of emotions that life has given us, the universe has given us. Yeah, so the pro and the watch-out-for.

Jim Collison 19:22
Love it, love it. Well said. Some self-discovery as well through all this. Well, with that, we'll remind everyone to take full advantage of all the resources we do have available inside of Gallup Access. Head out to my.gallup.com. You can even just go to my -- to gallup.com. There's a little search icon in the upper right. Click on that. Put in "Positivity." All the resources we've done are available there. I know I say that all the time, but maybe even thinking about doing it, just go do that right now. It's there. There's lots of stuff. Choose the Positivity theme on that search, and lots of resources for you. For coaching, master coaching, or to become a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, you can send us an email: coaching@gallup.com. We'll let you know how you do that. You can join us for the 2024 Gallup at Work Summit. It's coming up quickly, and you will want to get registered for it. We have both virtual and in-person options. Jaclynn and I get to host the virtual, and so you'll want to be there as well. Yeah, I can't wait. It's going to be a ton of fun. Stay up to date with all our future webcasts by -- oh, gallupatwork.com, I should say; gallupatwork.com -- all one word. Stay up to date on all our future webcasts by joining our Facebook groups or there on LinkedIn. Find us anyplace by searching "CliftonStrengths." If you've enjoyed it, hit the Like and Subscribe. You got to do all that stuff; the kids are doing that these days. Subscribe to us, all that other good stuff, and thanks for listening. Thanks for coming out. If you, if you're listening live, stay around for a little bit of a midshow. With that, we'll say, Goodbye, everybody.

Jaclynn Robinson's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are Achiever, Strategic, Maximizer, Positivity and Relator.

Gallup^®, CliftonStrengths^® and each of the 34 CliftonStrengths theme names are trademarks of Gallup. Copyright © 2000 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.