Positive Intelligence - Book Summary (2024)

Frank, a CEO of a publicly traded company, found himself in a predicament when his company lost a significant amount of value during a recession. He was overwhelmed with guilt and despair, to the point of crying in front of his daughter. His senior leadership team was also in a state of guilt, working tirelessly to rectify the situation, but their efforts were in vain.

In search of a solution, Frank turned to the principles of Positive Intelligence. He introduced a new perspective to his team by asking, "What steps should we take now so that in three years, we can look back and say that this crisis was the best thing that ever happened to our company?" Despite initial skepticism, the team began to regularly ponder this question and utilize the tools of Positive Intelligence. This led to a shift in their mindset from one of anxiety and blame to one of curiosity, creativity, and determined action.

In just a few months, the company managed to consolidate its offerings and reconnect with its original value proposition. As a result, the stock recovered. However, for Frank, the most valuable outcome was not the professional and financial recovery, but the increase in his personal peace and happiness. He came to understand that his happiness did not hinge on his success. Instead, he found greater success once he let go of the belief that his happiness was dependent on his achievements.

Final Summary:

Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine is a transformative guide that introduces the concept of Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ), a measure of the mental fitness that allows one to respond to life's challenges with a positive rather than negative mindset. The book provides practical tools and techniques to increase one's PQ, thereby enhancing both personal and professional effectiveness and happiness.

The book is divided into six parts, each focusing on different aspects of PQ, including understanding the concept, strategies to improve PQ, and real-life applications. The author emphasizes the importance of weakening internal Saboteurs, strengthening the Sage, and building PQ brain muscles. The book concludes with the assertion that increasing one's PQ is the most efficient and sustainable way to increase both effectiveness and happiness.

Here are 10 specific actions that reflect the learnings from the book:

1. Identify and understand your Saboteurs: These are the internal enemies that generate negative emotions. Recognizing them is the first step towards weakening their influence.

2. Strengthen your Sage: The Sage is the positive counterpart to the Saboteurs. It operates from empathy, creativity, and a positive mindset. Cultivate your Sage to respond to challenges more effectively.

3. Practice PQ brain fitness techniques: These are exercises designed to build new neural pathways in your brain, increasing your PQ.

4. Regularly measure your PQ: Keep track of your progress by measuring your PQ score and PQ Vortex.

5. Apply PQ principles to real-life situations: Use the tools and techniques in various aspects of your life, including work, relationships, and personal growth.

6. Reframe negative situations: Like the stallion story in the book, learn to see the positive potential in every situation.

7. Practice, practice, practice: The key to increasing your PQ is consistent practice. Make it a part of your daily routine.

8. Be patient with yourself: Remember that your Saboteurs will never fully go away, but their volume and strength will decrease over time.

9. Share your journey: Share your learnings and experiences with others. This not only helps them but also reinforces your own understanding and commitment.

10. Stay committed: Increasing your PQ is a lifelong journey. Stay committed to the practice, and you will see a transformation in your life.