Increasing Expectation Positively!

At your next staff meeting lead your teamcommitment to space exploration.
through the following discussion and exercise.- The focus on the tragedy from the national
This exercise is focused on getting people tomedia will inspire a new generation of space
perceive things positively. The exercise goes likeenthusiasts. Perhaps a child will become the
this:greatest space explorer of all time as a result.
Make the point to your team that they have theNow, challenge your team to come up with 5
power to perceive virtually all things either from aadditional positive outcomes. You will be surprised
positive or negative perspective.now by their creativity and renewed vision for
Lead a discussion asking for attendees to offerwhat is possible.
up negative circumstances resulting from aLastly, go through the exact same exercise. This
well-known tragedy.time however, choose the following topic
As an example let's consider the tragedy involvingappropriate to your own business. Here's the
the Space Shuttle Columbia.challenge:
Creating this "list of negatives" will come easily for"Revising our production goals UP by an additional
the participants given the nature of the disaster.15%."
For example: The loss of life, the potential effectsAfter going through the negatives first (limit the
for radiation on the ground, the devastating blowlist to only 5 items), then go through the positives,
to the space program, the children and familiesand allow your team to have a lengthy discussion
effected by the loss of loved ones, etc.on HOW this 15% production increase will be
In the interest of time and keeping your entireachieved. In effect, let them create a mini action
team fully engaged, make the list no longer thanplan.
8-10 items.Once the group has agreed on how to increase
Next, ask the group to come up with a list ofthe production by 15% you can ever-so-gently
positive outcomes from this experience.inform them that "the goals did NOT just go up
(Hint: This will actually be more difficult for theby 15%, only 10%! BUT, now that we have a
group because it is hard to voice optimism whenplan for achieving 15%, don't you think we should
talking about personal tragedy. However, you canuse it?"
offer up a few of your own ideas to get peopleHave fun with this exercise! It shows people you
started thinking from a different point of view.)are a leader with vision and that you understand
For instance some positive outcomes are:the power of perception and belief.
- The space program will learn from this disasterHopefully, it will also show your team that you
and become even more safe for future flights -have a good sense of humor and that you can
thus saving countless lives.relate to their concerns. This exercise makes for
- The nation came together from the crisis, whicha terrific opportunity to "CONNECT" with your
is good for the solidarity of our country.employees.
- The family members will remember theirShow your team that it's ok to have fun while
deceased as American Heroes and throughoutincreasing expectations.
history their family will take pride in his/her