Science proves power of positive emotions in business

by Deane Parkes

In The Bond by Lynne McTaggart, she references a study (pg 92, 93) that concluded both negative and positive emotions are highly contagious. However, positive emotions stimulate a group to be cooperative and make more positive decisions, while negative emotions resulted in the opposite. It was suggested a business could make more money within a culture of positive emotion because it would positively affect the entire workforce.

This notion has also been proven by the Gallup Group in their intensive study which concluded a positive emotional connection between staff would result in a positive shopping experience for customers. (read Follow This Path by Coffman).

Ensuring a positive emotional tone in your business is as important as clean shelves, proper inventory management, good merchandising or any other part of running a good business operation. The "how-to" really comes down to being nice and cooperative.

Building great relationships

In his book The Greatness Guide, Robin Sharma gives simple ways to build superb relationships. Positive relationships are often the number one reason for success in business. I also believe they are part of your own personal business brand.  You carry the reputation of your personal brand wherever you are.

Sharma goes on to tell a story of a top management consultant who was paid a great sum of money to assist a large corporation.  After he analyzed the business, he walked into his presentation and looked at the group intensely. He then took out a marker and wrote on the white board "Treat people with respect!"  He smiled at the executives then walked out, his consultation over.

In business, we deal with many people – customers, fellow staff, couriers, vendors, sales reps, bankers, government, accounting people, and many more. We should always do our best to treat everyone with respect.

Relationships are vital to the future of any business; take the time to become a master of building them.

Having positive relationships is also a proven longevity formula both personally and professionally.

Imagine this...

I recently travelled through the Prairies visiting some stores. While driving, I remembered my dad telling me his experience back in the 1930's as one of the first Singer sewing machine sales reps in the area, selling door-to-door.

He told me when he was hungry, he would walk up to a house and if no one was home, he would walk in and make something to eat. After eating, he would leave some money and go on with his sales trip. If the family came home while he ate, they would welcome him and make him feel at home. Complete strangers!

Imagine. •