Positive deviants are people who disrupt habits in their industry in positive ways. These people do things differently to everyone else. They are the catalysts for positive change – often prompting ripple effects which influence thousands of people.
Here’s an example of positive deviance used in a life-saving way. A physician at Penn State College of Medicine identified five key features that improve diabetes care. Taking the positive deviance approach helped identify the models that were most successful in the treatment of diabetes. Because they sought out the differences that made a positive impact, the physicians ultimately improved diabetes care in 25 primary care practices in Pennsylvania.
Positive deviance can influence the people you work with to change their habits for the better. Recognise and learn from the positive deviants in your workplace today. Or start thinking laterally and become a deviant yourself!
About the author of this fun fact:
Eleanor Shakiba is positive psychology trainer. She teaches highly skilled professionals to think creatively, communicate constructively and become positive leaders. Eleanor’s clients work in academia, education, IT, engineering, finance and health. She is the author of the Positive Psychology Toolkit for HR and L&D practitioners. She also runs a range of retreats and workshops for trainers and facilitators.