Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours

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Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 99 ratings · 27 reviews

In his popular Stanford University lectures, Shirzad Chamine reveals how to achieve one’s true potential for both professional success and personal fulfillment. His groundbreaking research exposes ten well-disguised mental Saboteurs. Nearly 95 percent of the executives in his Stanford lectures conclude that these Saboteurs cause “significant harm” to achieving their true p...more In his popular Stanford University lectures, Shirzad Chamine reveals how to achieve one’s true potential for both professional success and personal fulfillment. His groundbreaking research exposes ten well-disguised mental Saboteurs. Nearly 95 percent of the executives in his Stanford lectures conclude that these Saboteurs cause “significant harm” to achieving their true potential. With Positive Intelligence, you can learn the secret to defeating these internal foes. Positive Intelligence (PQ)SM measures the percentage of time your mind is serving you as opposed to sabotaging you. While your IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence) contribute to your maximum potential, it is your PQ that determines how much of that potential you actually achieve.

The great news is that you can improve your PQ significantly in as little as 21 days. With higher PQ, teams and professionals ranging from leaders to salespeople perform 30 to 35 percent better on average. Importantly, they also report being far happier and less stressed. The breakthrough tools and techniques in this book have been refined over years of coaching hundreds of CEOs and their executive teams. Shirzad tells many of their remarkable stories, showing how you too can take concrete steps to unleash the vast, untapped powers of your mind.

Discover how to
•   Identify and conquer your top Saboteurs. Common Saboteurs include the Judge, Controller, Victim, Avoider, and Pleaser.
•   Measure the Positive Intelligence score (PQ) for yourself or your team—and see how close you come to the critical tipping point required for peak performance.
•   Increase PQ dramatically in as little as 21 days.
•   Develop new brain “muscles,” and access 5 untapped powers with energizing mental “power games.”
•   Apply PQ tools and techniques to increase both performance and fulfillment. Applications include team building, mastering workload, working with “difficult” people, improving work/life balance, reducing stress, and selling and persuading.

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Hardcover, 224 pages

Published April 3rd 2012 by Greenleaf Book Group Press (first published April 1st 2012)

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Dec 28, 2012 George Wang rated it 4 of 5 stars

Professor Sanjeev Bedi first introduced me to this book right after I told him I'm interested in pursuing a startup. To my surprise, this is not a book that teaches how to run a startup, but a book that teaches skills that critical to achieving success in any area of life.

According to the author, one's positive intelligence (PQ) is her biggest determinant of success. Based on this premise, this book explores the various entities in the mind that make up one's PQ. One of those entities is the "Ju...more

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May 02, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a gold-mine of a book! An extremely useful text for increasing performance, success and happiness. As the author states: much like Sisyphus--the mythological king who was forced to roll a boulder to the top of a hill every day only to watch it roll back down in the evening--our best efforts to achieve our goals or increase our happiness often unravel. Though we frequently try to attribute our failure to others or uncontrollable circumstances, Shirzad Chamine shows in this book that it's usu...more What a gold-mine of a book! An extremely useful text for increasing performance, success and happiness. As the author states: much like Sisyphus--the mythological king who was forced to roll a boulder to the top of a hill every day only to watch it roll back down in the evening--our best efforts to achieve our goals or increase our happiness often unravel. Though we frequently try to attribute our failure to others or uncontrollable circumstances, Shirzad Chamine shows in this book that it's usually due to our own self-sabotage.

Over the course of his engaging and incredibly pragmatic text, Chamine hammers home the point that though our minds are sometimes our best friends, they are often our worst enemies. He describes our minds as having both Sage and Saboteur powers, each corresponding to different regions of our brains: the PQ Brain (Sage) and the Survivor Brain (Saboteurs). The more we are able to activate our PQ Brain and our Sage, the higher our Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) becomes. Chamine uses numerous research and anecdotal examples to make a compelling argument that people and teams with higher PQ achieve more and are happier across all aspects of their lives. Through both his sound argument and a myriad of my own personal experiences, I believe it!

The thing I love most about this book is how serious it is about affecting positive change. It's not some loose framework or a series of things to "think about." It's actually about giving the reader an accessible toolkit to improve the way they experience life, affect their colleagues, and pursue their goals. From tools like Sage Power Games to the Three Gifts Technique, Chamine presents easy-to-do, CEO-tested techniques that actually make a difference. In fact, I've been so pleased with his PQ Reps technique (10 second intervals of returning my focus to my breath and five senses) that I've shared it with multiple of my fellow entrepreneurs, friends, and family.

Chamine states at the beginning of the book, "I encourage you to have high expectations for this book...[it] can change your life and be a game-changer for your team. Please don't settle for anything less." I haven't settled and, thus far, it's been a terrific ride!(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Alain Burrese rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: success

“Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours” by Shirzad Chamine is an interesting look at what the author calls Saboteurs and how these beliefs hold one back from achieving all they wish, and what the author calls Sage powers that will enable one to achieve much more. I have a feeling that some people will really connect with these labels and others may not care for them. Regardless, these concepts labeled Positive Inte...more “Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours” by Shirzad Chamine is an interesting look at what the author calls Saboteurs and how these beliefs hold one back from achieving all they wish, and what the author calls Sage powers that will enable one to achieve much more. I have a feeling that some people will really connect with these labels and others may not care for them. Regardless, these concepts labeled Positive Intelligence can have a significant impact on a person's life, and through the education and practice outlined in this text, one can expect to achieve more of their potential.

The Saboteurs the author warns we must guard against are the Judge, Stickler, Pleaser, Hyper-Achiever, Victim, Hyper-Rational, Hyper-Vigilant, Restless, Controller, and the Avoider. These Saboteurs represent one's internal enemies, while the Sage represents the deeper and wiser part of you. To defeat the Saboteurs, one uses the five great powers of the Sage: 1. to Explore with great curiosity and an open mind; 2. to Empathize with yourself and others and bring compassion and understanding to any situation; 3. to Innovate and create new perspective and outside-the-box solutions; to 4. to Navigate and choose a path that best aligns with your deeper underlying values and mission; and 5. to Activate and take decisive action without the distress, interference, or distractions of the Saboteurs.

To accomplish this, Chamine outlines three strategies to improve your PQ: Weaken Saboteurs, Strengthen PQ Brain, and Strengthen Sage. He covers these strategies with examples of how to do each. And finally he provides case studies to illustrate how one can go about applying these strategies to their own lives.

Some self-help and business books are more along the lines of practical steps related to outer matters such as goal setting, organization, prioritizing and so forth. Others delve into internal matters, and it is the latter that “Positive Intelligence” finds itself. To enjoy and get the most from this book, one needs to be open to self analysis and assessment and after such introspection, desire to work on improving oneself from the inside out.

For the person who wants to follow Chamine's model and increase his or her use of the five powers of the Sage and weaken the hold Saboteurs have on him or her, that person will undoubtedly increase positive intelligence and achieve much more of their true potential. (less)

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May 28, 2012 Tanja Seppä rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: business

I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars because I am not entirely convinced that it could be so easy to achieve peace and happiness as described in this book. "Easy" is the wrong word, although the steps themselves are simple and lucid, getting there will still require hard work. The book teaches us to recognize our saboteurs, strengthen our sage, doing "PQ" exercises (which is little more than awareness/mindfulness training). What I especially liked about this book is that it encompasses the ide...more I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars because I am not entirely convinced that it could be so easy to achieve peace and happiness as described in this book. "Easy" is the wrong word, although the steps themselves are simple and lucid, getting there will still require hard work. The book teaches us to recognize our saboteurs, strengthen our sage, doing "PQ" exercises (which is little more than awareness/mindfulness training). What I especially liked about this book is that it encompasses the ideas of Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth: create a better life". The basis is that the inner chatter in your head is not you, usually it's just a saboteur or judge at work. However, Shirzad Chamine is more concrete as to how to quelch your saboteurs and strengthen your "sage", the positive. The word of caution is that you mustn't just pretend, as pretending to be positive without actually feeling it puts you at risk of coronary heart disease and doesn't improve anything mucht.

I have, in accordance with this book, started labelling my saboteurs. From the website www.positiveintelligence.com I found that my chief saboteur is the controller. No surprise there, I have been aware of that for years. I suffer tremendous pain when I'm not in charge or have full control. Letting things float is just not my style. My second most frequent saboteur is the victim, and this came a surprise. I didn't know this, I hate being a victim, but apparently that doesn't stop me from playing that card to myself (oh poor me), eventhough I rarely do so openly. Another thing I didn't think I was doing all that much of - anymore - was juding other people. Muahahahaha. I was so wrong! As a leader, I consider it part of my job description, but I am doing my best reevaluating my position as I didn't think I was doing it by far as often as I really am.

I have also started doing "PQ" exercises, which is just 10 seconds of being aware of ones surroundings (mindfulness training, really): the feel of wind on the skin, different sights, smells, the weight of my body in the chair. One hundred "PQ" exercises a day for three weeks should, according to this book, lead to dramatic results. Let's see. I know I'm not at 100 yet, but I do notice that I am more relaxed and less anxious now.

I will continue to take the advice of this book into account and I certainly consider it money well spent. (less)

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Feb 24, 2013 Taylor Ellwood rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: business

I loved this book! It's one of those books that offers practical solutions that anyone can implement to stop their saboteurs in their tracks, while also showing how to tap into skill sets that can help you professionally and personally. The author includes exercises you can try on the spot and as someone who tried them out, I found myself interrupting my saboteurs and really appreciating the situations I was in from a different perspective, that allowed me to see the bigger picture. The website...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Naomi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I first learned about the concept of Positive Intelligence while earning my MBA with one of my concentrations being in leadership development. Chamine has done a fantastic job of authoring a primer on the subject. Even if a potential reader of this book doesn't believe in the "psychobabbling" of business which I have often heard PI referred to, the book lays out excellent descriptors of group and individual dynamics which can interfer with successful team projects and lead to disastrous results....more

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Apr 20, 2012 pri rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

A little abashed to lower the overall rating. Despite the tremendous praise by CEOs and others on this book, I found it a repetition of self help knowledge. Your brain can be your worst enemy at times... here's how to overcome that and use the positive side of you. Chamine adds science to the mix and case studies. And it was interesting to read the exercises he suggests to help your PQ. They were very like mindful meditations. But overall, I just didn't feel I was reading anything new or that cl...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Kent Winward rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: self-help

I'm giving this a lower rating, not because the book was particularly poor, but because it is overly simplistic. It's left brain/right brain dichotomy and it's New-Agey lingo turned me off, although I agree with the concepts. It was a great reminder to practice more mindfully and meditate. The neurological benefits of these practices is really undisputed -- nothing mystical, just how our bodies work best.

The short summary: Think positively, so that you act, rather than letting negative thoughts...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Henk-Jan van der Klis rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shirzad Chamine lectures at Stanford University on Positive Intelligence (PQ). Where IQ and EQ are common sense these day, PQ might be new to you. PQ measures the percentage of time your mind is serving you as opposed to sabotaging you. While your IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence) contribute to your maximum potential, it is your PQ that determines how much of that potential you actually achieve. That’s why Chamine presents his results in Positive Intelligence – Why Only 20% of Teams and Individ...more Shirzad Chamine lectures at Stanford University on Positive Intelligence (PQ). Where IQ and EQ are common sense these day, PQ might be new to you. PQ measures the percentage of time your mind is serving you as opposed to sabotaging you. While your IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence) contribute to your maximum potential, it is your PQ that determines how much of that potential you actually achieve. That’s why Chamine presents his results in Positive Intelligence – Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours. Call it self-affirmation, positive thinking, overcoming fear, mindfulness, power thinking, or other related concept.
In Chamine’s terms it’s the struggle between Sage, who has access to your wisdom, insights, and often untapped mental powers and Saboteurs. The Saboteurs are internal enemies. They are a set of automatic and habitual mind patterns, each with its own voice, beliefs, and assumptions that work against your best interests. The author knows ten Saboteurs: Judge, Stickler, Pleaser, Hyper-Achiever, Victim, Hyper-Rational, Hyper-Vigilant, Restless, Controller and Avoider.
The great news is that you can improve your PQ significantly in as little as 21 days. With higher PQ, teams and professionals ranging from leaders to salespeople perform 30-35% better on average. Importantly, they also report being far happier and less stressed. Shirzad shows you how you too can take concrete steps to unleash the vast, untapped powers of your mind. Develop new brain “muscles,” and access 5 untapped powers with energizing mental “power games. Applications include team building, mastering workload, working with “difficult” people, improving work/life balance, reducing stress, and selling and persuading. Self-tests, the mental power games and lots of additional info can be found online at http://positiveintelligence.com/.

How appealing PQ might look, and reported results impress you, don’t forget that’s not your positive influence only that makes the world go round. It’s your faults and those of other people around us as well. I need God’s grace every day for my transgressions, which can’t be pushed away with positive thoughts.(less)

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Mar 28, 2012 Rod Moser rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have been experiencing some challenges recently in my business and personal life and I have been looking for something to help me regain my focus. This is exactly what I have been looking for.

The tools in this book are simple yet have had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional life. I was able to have a productive conversation with my son tonight by focusing on my sage voice and quieting the saboteurs. He opened up to me and I was able to guide him without him feeling judged.

Th...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Ian Nadeau rated it 3 of 5 stars

"Your mind is your best friend. But it is also your worst enemy." - Shirzad Chamine

I would have thought this book to be too new-age-y for my tastes, but it was actually a pretty fascinating / useful look at how our brains can work against us. The rational part of our brain (prefrontal cortex) is certainly our best friend, guiding our growth and success. However, it/we must also contend with the emotional part of the brain (limbic system) which is focused on our survival. Stress, guilt, anger and...more

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Jun 02, 2013 Tutu rated it 5 of 5 stars

A book everyone should read! It is a great tool for improving areas in your life whether it is professional or personal. You will be able to distinguish the "Judge" in you that stops you from achieving/surpassing certain things in your life. It's a simple easy read. The book can be a little repetitive towards the end but I still think it's a great tool. You might learn quite a bit about yourself and learn how to tackle certain situations in your life in a less stressful manner. If you're able to...more

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Jul 16, 2012 GONZA rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes mixing psychology with neuroimaging, the scripts by Berne and the PNL can be useful and helps people achieving their goals. As a psychotherapist I appreciated some parts of this book, but I consider that making it too easy is not good for the person that is struggling to obtain results. Path is hard and not so easy even if you know that sometimes your brain is the one that is sabotaging you.

A volte mischiare la psicologia, con la neuroimaging, i copioni di Berne e la PNL può essere uti...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Createpei rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: improvement, framework, to-re-read

I was extremely impressed with the framework and model proposed by Chamine. The idea of Sabateours and Sage traits resonated greatly with me. I liked it so much that I've also ordered the hardcover to supplement my kindle version.

I have used the reframing methods with great success already and hope to be able to increase my PQ through the exercises - though I do find this harder to accomplish.

I highly recommend this book for people interested in positive intelligence.

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May 14, 2012 Shelley Wall rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting read. The recommendations were great. Content too. Delivery was really dry. I had a hard time maintaining interest. Put it down several times only to pick up later and read on. Still, I really liked the suggestions on how to achieve potential through positivity.

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Jun 13, 2012 Darcy rated it 5 of 5 stars

EVERYONE can benefit from this book! So easy to practice the exercises to build one's positive intelligence. I've been recommending it to all my friends and have already seen some remarkable changes.

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Dec 31, 2012 BLACK CAT rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, psyche, similar-to, success

Similar to: You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life.

I think "you are not your brain..." is better.

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Jan 05, 2013 Kathy Nguyen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

It is a good book. It has a different approach. I will be following up on the website to see if I can incorporate some of this in my interactions more.

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Feb 26, 2013 Debi rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book to help you overcome any of the obstacles your mind can create for you.

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Aug 30, 2012 Erik Zimmer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Through 2/3 of the book and its message resonates...
I recommend everyone working on the Sage drills daily.

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Jun 18, 2012 Mara rated it 5 of 5 stars

You MUST take the assessments on the website. This book WILL change your life.

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May 24, 2012 Marcus Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book for controlling head trash and coping with your own mind's "saboteurs".

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Jan 12, 2013 Chelsea marked it as to-read

Recommended to Chelsea by: Gene

Sounds great, Gene. Thanks much for the recommendation.

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Jul 06, 2012 Marilyn Kilgore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Good practical ways to quiet your mind chatter.

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Jul 06, 2012 Chris Craddock rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: business, self-help

Great.

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Apr 26, 2013 Anand rated it 3 of 5 stars

Nice book but the author could have been precise upto the point.

Every new chapter felt like "recap" that goes for the TV series everyday.
Author keeps repeating the same idea again and again. I am not sure if he is trying to make the reader believe in that idea or he is convincing himself again and again.

Lost interest midway.

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Jan 05, 2013 Amy Hanley rated it 4 of 5 stars

very insightful and potentially life-changing.

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Jun 17, 2013 Ashley marked it as to-read

Shelves: psychology-self-help

Jun 16, 2013 Cleodenis Galvão marked it as to-read

Jun 16, 2013 Jp Sulon is currently reading it

Shelves: coaching, enneagram

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