Positive Leadership, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER3Positive Relationships

Positive relationships are those that are “a generative source of enrichment, vitality, and learning” for both individuals and organizations (Dutton & Ragins, 2007: 5). This implies more than people merely getting along with one another or avoiding toxicity in their interactions. It means that positive relationships promote positively deviant outcomes physiologically, psychologically, emotionally, and organizationally. It is commonly understood that positive relationships are satisfying and preferred by people, but the benefits extend well beyond just providing a pleasant experience. Flourishing individuals are a prerequisite to flourishing organizations.

For example, Heaphy and Dutton (2008) reviewed the literature ...