Breaking the Mould
The Study
Have you ever noticed how some of the best ideas come from people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo? That’s exactly what a 2022 study by Naman Sharma, titled "Using Positive Deviance to Enhance Employee Engagement," explores. The research looks at how positive deviance (when employees break the norm in constructive and beneficial ways) can fuel innovation, motivation, and productivity.
Some of the key takeaways from the study include:
When employees are encouraged to think differently, they become more creative and better problem-solvers.
Exposure to fresh perspectives, whether from colleagues, industry peers, or outside influences, helps employees stay engaged and adaptable.
Recognising and rewarding unconventional but effective approaches keeps morale high and motivates employees to push boundaries.
Teams that embrace out-of-the-box thinking tend to be more collaborative and resilient.
At its core, the study reinforces the idea that when organisations support employees who challenge norms in a positive way, they create an environment where people feel empowered to drive change and contribute in meaningful ways.
The Context
So, what makes positive deviance work? It’s not just about breaking the rules for the sake of it—it’s about creating an environment where innovative thinking is encouraged, valued, and used. The research highlights a few key factors that help unconventional ideas translate into real engagement:
Embracing Individuality: Employees feel most engaged when they can bring their unique strengths, skills, and perspectives to the table.
Fostering Creativity: Workplaces that encourage curiosity and innovation naturally see higher participation and job satisfaction.
Supportive Policies: HR policies that allow flexibility, experimentation, and feedback loops help create an atmosphere where new ideas can flourish.
A Culture of Smart Risk-Taking: When employees feel psychologically safe to take calculated risks, they are more likely to invest fully in their work.
Aligning Goals: When employees see how their personal growth aligns with company objectives, they feel more invested in the organisation’s success.
By weaving these elements into daily operations, organisations can transform unconventional ideas into real competitive advantages while fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace.
How is this relevant to the workplace?
Encouraging positive deviance in the workplace isn’t about flipping the switch overnight; it’s about recognising where your organisation is today and taking intentional steps toward a more engaged, motivated, and high-performing workforce. Change happens most effectively when it’s embedded gradually, ensuring that employees have the right tools, skills, and support to make new ways of thinking a sustainable part of the culture.
Embedding positive deviance isn’t about overhauling everything at once; it’s about taking thoughtful, achievable steps that build momentum over time. By starting where you are, identifying the right support systems, and making incremental changes, organisations can create a workplace that not only embraces innovation but also makes it second nature.
At Intentional Tenacity, we help organisations take the first step; and the next, toward embedding positive deviance in a way that’s practical, sustainable, and impactful. If you're ready to unlock the full potential of your team, let’s make it happen together
