5 to 1 is the ratio of positive to negative statements that define high performance and sustainability.
Proven in the 1990’s, Dr. John Gottman could predict with a 90% accuracy if a couple would divorce or remain married during a 15 minute difficult conversation. The common denominator for couples remaining married was maintaining a ratio of 5:1 positive to negative expressions.
Years later, Marcial Losada applied this research to a business context and determined that high performing teams maintain a ratio of 5.6:1 positive to negative statements. Again, the ratio of positive to negative expressions was highly predictive of team performance as determined by hard numbers such as profitability, and soft numbers like evaluations by peers and management.
In response to these findings, science tells us the nervous system has five times more operating networks scanning for negativity (threats) then positivity (rewards) which serves to keep us alive, but doesn't help us perform well at work. Understanding how to offset this imbalance dramatically improves our ability to connect, perform well and maintain healthy relationships.