Positive Psychology at Work:

High Quality Working Relationships

1) The nature of high quality connections

Dutton and Heaphy (2003) have investigated a particular form of positive work relationships, one they call a ‘high quality connection’. A connection refers to a brief moment of contact, in contrast to a long-standing relationship. These relational micro-moments have their own distinct quality and can be high quality (positive), low quality (negative) or neutral in nature. High quality connections are experienced as life-enhancing; they promote trust and respect. The experience of such a high quality connection can leave people feeling more energized and richer than before they met. These connections can occur across organizational boundaries as well as within teams. Dutton and Heaphy's research suggests that three features define high quality connections: their ability to handle emotions, their ability to bounce back from setbacks and their degree of connectivity.

Supplement 7.2 Summary of Positive Generative Team Working

• Utilize strengths through role fluidity, role crafting, complementary pairing and role allocation.
• Be aware of, and attend to, the pattern of team dynamics, ensuring that move, follow, oppose and bystand acts are all present, honoured and helpful.
• Be aware of, and attend to, the positivity ratio in the group, recognizing that the greatest productivity, connectivity and generativity tends to occur at ratios between 6 : 1 and 11 : 1.

Positive connections can handle more emotions and ...