Delving deeper: Positive Intelligence

Although published only 7 years after the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, I didn’t discover Shirzad Chamine’s book, Positive Intelligence, until late 2019. Was this just an update of new terminology, or was this yet another concept to learn and master? I believe it is the next evolution to EQ because Positive Intelligence (PQ) helps me get to the heart of those emotions that impact how I feel, how I show-up, and how if Interact with myself and others. This is the next level, and it’s a game-changer.

 

“You cannot confront an enemy that you aren’t sure is your enemy.”

– Shirzad Chamine

 

Based on research in neuroscience, organizational science, and positive psychology, positive intelligence takes form, with the ability to amplify both happiness and performance. Essentially, developing PQ shifts the percentage of time that my brain is serving me versus sabotaging me.

Once I started to read this book, I couldn’t put it down because it was like Shirzad Chamine pointed to a massive billboard that explained why I never quite felt fulfilled, and in a non-judgmental way he explained that my brain had become my own worst enemy. The thoughts that run through my head generate the difficult beliefs and emotions that keep me stuck. Or least used to keep me stuck. I’ve learned so much from this book that I have heightened my awareness, developed new habits, and leaned into living life with more fulfillment.   

Chamine shares three strategies, in a step-by-step format for how to live happier and perform better.

  1. Weaken Your Saboteurs. There are 10 universal “saboteurs” that create thought and emotion patterns that do not serve you. Becoming aware of which ones are hijacking your thoughts and calling them out will weaken the impact they have.
  2. Strengthen Your Sage. Whereas your “saboteurs” loom in the left brain, your “sage” lives right next door on the right side. It is here that you can find far superior ways to handle the challenges you face in ways that benefit you and others.
  3. Strengthen Your PQ Brain Muscles. You’ve likely been to a gym at some point in your life, consider this a workout for your brain. There are several simple and fun techniques that you can do anywhere at any time to help your PQ Brain take back the control that your Survivor Brain has relished for so many years.

 

 

While I am not a fan of going to a gym and pushing myself physically, I do engage in an awe inspiring mental workout almost daily. Why term it “awe inspiring”? Because I am truly in awe about how much this has changed my life and my relationships for the better.

A few of my favourite things about this book include:

  • It includes a free online assessment to help uncover which “saboteurs” are getting in your way most frequently.
  • Chamine does an excellent job of sharing stories that contrast the difference between left-brain and right-brain experiences in a humbling way.
  • There are questions to challenge yourself and techniques to practice.
  • Bonus – Want to improve the PQ power of a team?  You can find ways to do that too in this book.

I’ve loaned this book to others, I’ve bought this book for others, I’ve taken the Positive Intelligence Program for Coaches, and I refer back to this book regularly. For those who are ready for living a better life, and are willing to work out for it, this is the book for you!

–  Melissa Law