In our latest Leadership Circle book club session, we dove into “Positive Intelligence” by Shirzad Chamine, uncovering a fresh perspective on mindset, resilience, and inner strength. Chamine’s concept of Positive Intelligence defines the ability to respond to life’s challenges with a positive mindset, unlocking untapped potential and cultivating better leadership practices. Here’s what we learned!
Image Source: Positive Intelligence
Understanding Saboteurs and the Sage Mindset
Chamine identifies “Saboteurs” as the negative voices in our heads that undermine our confidence and success, ranging from the “Judge” to the “Restless” or “Pleaser.” Through his research, Chamine has found that shifting from Saboteur-driven reactions to a “Sage” mindset can elevate both personal satisfaction and professional effectiveness. By quieting the Saboteurs, leaders can lead with clarity, compassion, and creativity—traits that are indispensable in fostering a thriving, supportive work culture.
Image Source: Medium
Enhancing Self-Awareness and Emotional Resilience
Chamine’s framework encourages leaders to assess and boost their PQ (positivity quotient) by practicing mindfulness and recognizing Saboteur-triggered responses before they escalate. This skill strengthens resilience, enabling leaders to manage stress more effectively and approach obstacles with a problem-solving attitude rather than fear or frustration. We found that practicing self-command exercises, such as intentional breathing and grounding techniques, has led to heightened awareness and improved emotional regulation among our team.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
One of Chamine’s most powerful messages is the importance of purpose-driven action. By aligning daily tasks with a higher purpose, leaders can maintain motivation and inspire others, even in challenging times. Practicing this has deepened our commitment to a more inclusive, value-aligned culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute authentically.
Image Source: Medium
Building High-Performing, Positive Teams
Chamine’s research underscores the connection between individual PQ and team performance. Leaders with high PQ create environments of psychological safety, open communication, and collaboration. Incorporating Positive Intelligence into our leadership philosophy has been a compelling shift the last few weeks. At Leadership Circle, we are committed to helping leaders unlock their full potential through our comprehensive suite of products and services.
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