During problematic times it is more natural for the body to fall into a deficit-based thinking mode. This is where the focus is on problems rather than opportunties, weaknesses rather than strengths, what resources they don’t have instead of what they do have and what cannot be done rather than what can.

Deficity based thinking changes the psyche and filters out into the organization, decreasing enthusiasm and productivity and lowering morale. Since the human nervous system is more sensitive to negative signals, than to positive signals it readily falls into deficit based thinking mode. Anxiety levels rise, insecurity blooms and the very energy the company needs to make the most of its remaining resources wanes.

Leaders need to adopt a positive frame of mind and focus solely on what they can do with what they have. This mental shift requires a certain amount of strength, but when the whole team is focused in the same energy building positive direction – miracles do appear to happen. A company is far more likely to identify new ways it can deploy its assets and form synergistic relationships when it is opportunity focused. The increase in confidence quickly magnifies in ripples throughout the organization, expanding the power of influence to motivate everyone to remain confident and productive.

Asset-based thinking is not just a feel-good blind optimism. It is a well researched cognitive shift that helps individuals and groups muster their resources and multiply their efforts to make progress in even the most difficult times.

For more on asset-based thinking I strongly recommend the inspiring quick read Change the Way You See Everything through Asset-Based Thinking

Gail