Positive deviance is constructive aberration from the norm. People who deviate in this way solve problems in ways others don’t even consider. The Power of Positive Deviance argues that positive deviance can be a formidable force for social change. It explores techniques for noticing and learning from positive deviants in groups and communities.
The book focuses on why it is important to foster and connect with positive deviants in your business. It’s an excellent resource for anyone who wants to identify and learn from the deviant thinkers in their team or organisation. This is what makes The Power of Positive Deviance a great resource for leaders, trainers and Human Resources experts.
My favourite part of this book is the chapter on how experts in positive deviance used their model to solve the problem of childhood malnutrition in regional Vietnam. Not only is this a great case study, it ties back to theoretical concepts beautifully. Trainers, in particular, will find this a great story to add to their toolkits.
About the author of this review
Eleanor Shakiba specialises in teaching positive thinking and communication techniques to people in mind-based professions. Her clients work in academia, education, IT, engineering, finance and health. Eleanor is qualified in Social Anthropology, Positive Psychology, Counselling, Coaching, Adult Education and Neuro Linguistic Programming.