F R O M I N S I G H T T O R E A L I Z A T I O N

T H E P O W E R O F P O S I T I V E I N T E N T I O N S A n d r é G r e c a – M a n a g e r a t T r i F i n a n c e F i n a n c i a l I n s t i t u t i o n s

M a t h i a s V a n d e r m o e r e – M a n a g e r a t T r i F i n a n c e F i n a n c i a l I n s t i t u t i o n s

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The Power of Positive Intentions

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The Power of Positive Intentions

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T H E L A W O F A T T R A C T I O N

The Power of Positive Intentions

You’ve probably heard the expression, « what goes around comes around. » Well known proverbs such as the Golden Rule (Do

unto others as you would have the do unto you) or the Platinum Rule (Do unto others as they want done unto them) describe a

reciprocal process in communication and in action that we have heard through religious teachings or from parents and teachers.

Theories in psychology, philosohpy, religion, sociology, and social psychology provide explanations for « you get what you give »

and « what you put out there in the universe you get back. » One is the Law of Attraction.

• You Get What You Give

Put simply, the Law of Attraction says that when you think positive thoughts and take positive action, others pick up tour

optimism and are likely to respond in the same way. When you think negative thoughts and act unkindly, others absorb your

thoughts as well and may respond with similar intent and action.

Thinking positive thougts and acting in a receptive manner open up your natural ability to draw people to you. Energy travels.

Endorphins, body chemicals are released when people are treated in a pleasant and courteous manner. When someone is attacked

phisycally or emotionally, other chemicals such as adrenaline are released, and fight-or-flight response kicks in.

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K E Y P R I N C I P L E S

The Power of Positive Intentions

Key principles of the Law of Attraction include:

Like attracts like. As you think a thought, you are attracting the same kind of energy.

The more you think a thought, the more similar thoughts will come into your consciousness.

The Law of Attraction does not recognise « don’t », « not », « no », or any other negative words.

When interacting, you are sending energy. If you really believe in what you are saying, you attract enthusiasm. In positive

environments, people listen. They become inspired. Colleagues expand your ideas, contribute, and enlist others.

Everyone wants to be recognised for his or her worth and value. Given the opportunity and the encouragement, people will

recognise each other. The best selling book 1001 Ways to Reward Employees (Nelson, 1994) and its sequels confirm what

motivation theorists have written about throughout history: recognition is the most powerful form of motivation.

Recognition is one way to be kind. P. Ferrucci in The Power of Kindness (2006) calls kindness a central power in our lives,

with the power to transform us, possibly more than any other attitude or technique. It feels good to b kind and to be the recipient

of kindness. Kindness spreads. The Random Act of Kindness movement, now a foundation, is a proof that a few people can

create and spread kindness thoughout the world (www.randomactofkindness.org).

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K I N D N E S S , P O S I T I V I T Y & S E L F - E S T E E M

The Power of Positive Intentions

The same Law of Attraction applies to your thoughts about yourself. Affirmations or self-appreciations are often some of

what coaches and counselors recommend in promoting healthy self-esteem. Positive affirmations help identify those

qualities that you like in yourself. And if you like those qualities in you, others will too.

Here are some examples of affirmations:

I am good at my job.

I have great problem-solving skills.

I am attractive

Self-esteem starts with you. This is not to say that we don’t have areas in which we can grow.

In a healthy environment, people are encouraged to share their talents and are mentored in areas in which they can improve.

Author Marcus Buckingham is a mastermind at teaching people how to « go for their strenghts . » Buckingham recommends

sharing the wealth among team members and allowing a person’ natural talent to e recognized and reinforced by others. This

saves a lot of time and increases productivity. Instead of boxing people in, the strengths approach allows for creativity and

initiative, skills that everyone can access if they are allowed to in a way that suits their strenghts.

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T H E R E C I P R O C I T Y E F F E C T

The Power of Positive Intentions

Reciprocity involves people responding « in kind », exchanging good deeds for good deeds and negative behaviors for negative

behaviors. It includes how much people perceive they are giving, and how much they believe they are getting back. Perception

is the key word. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.

If someone says hello to you, he or she expects a hello back. If you extend your hand, you expect someone to shake it. A

At work, we expect cooperation. If we don’t get it, we may refrain from giving it.

Principles of Reciprocity

People expect that you will respond in kind and that positive actions will be returned, and of equal value to theirs.

If you « give of yourself », you are investing emotional energy in another person . The investor (not monetary) expects a return

that is perceived to have as much emotional value as the emotional « gift » he or she gave initially.

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The Power of Positive Intentions

Source: Soft Skills Revolutions – Maxine Kamin

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The Power of Positive Intentions