The Power of Positive Deviance by Richard Pascale, Jerry Sternin, and Monique Sternin

Last updated: Sep 18, 2023

Summary of The Power of Positive Deviance by Richard Pascale, Jerry Sternin, and Monique Sternin

The Power of Positive Deviance, written by Richard Pascale, Jerry Sternin, and Monique Sternin, explores the concept of positive deviance and its potential to bring about positive change in communities and organizations. The authors argue that instead of focusing on problems and deficiencies, it is more effective to identify and amplify existing positive behaviors and practices within a community or organization.

The book begins by introducing the concept of positive deviance, which refers to individuals or groups who exhibit exceptional behaviors or practices that enable them to achieve better outcomes than their peers, despite facing similar challenges and constraints. The authors emphasize that positive deviance is not about breaking rules or norms, but rather about finding innovative solutions within the existing framework.

The authors present numerous case studies from various fields, including healthcare, education, and business, to illustrate the power of positive deviance. They highlight how positive deviants, who are often ordinary people, are able to find unique solutions to complex problems by leveraging their local knowledge, resources, and social networks.

The book outlines a six-step process for implementing positive deviance initiatives. The first step involves defining the problem and identifying the desired outcome. The second step is to conduct a thorough investigation to identify positive deviants and understand their behaviors and practices. The third step is to engage the community or organization and build trust and collaboration. The fourth step is to design and implement interventions based on the insights gained from the positive deviants. The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the impact of the interventions. Finally, the sixth step is to scale up and sustain the positive deviance approach.

The authors also address potential challenges and criticisms of the positive deviance approach. They acknowledge that positive deviance is not a panacea and may not be applicable in all situations. However, they argue that by focusing on the positive outliers, organizations and communities can tap into their own resources and creativity to find solutions that are contextually relevant and sustainable.

In conclusion, The Power of Positive Deviance advocates for a shift in mindset from problem-solving to solution-finding. By identifying and amplifying positive deviants, individuals and organizations can unlock their own potential and create lasting positive change.

1. Positive deviance is a powerful approach to solving complex problems

The book introduces the concept of positive deviance, which is based on the idea that within every community or organization, there are individuals or groups who have found unique and successful solutions to problems that others have not. These positive deviants are able to achieve exceptional results despite facing the same constraints and challenges as everyone else. By studying and learning from these positive deviants, we can uncover innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.

The power of positive deviance lies in its ability to tap into the collective wisdom and creativity of a community or organization. It encourages a shift from a deficit-based approach, where problems are seen as obstacles to be overcome, to a strengths-based approach, where solutions are found within the community itself. This approach not only leads to more sustainable and impactful solutions, but also empowers individuals and communities to take ownership of their own problems and solutions.

2. The power of reframing problems

One of the key insights from the book is the importance of reframing problems in order to find innovative solutions. The authors argue that many complex problems are often framed in a way that focuses on what is wrong or lacking, which can limit our ability to find effective solutions. By reframing the problem and looking for exceptions or positive deviants who have already found successful solutions, we can shift our perspective and uncover new possibilities.

Reframing problems involves asking different questions and challenging assumptions. Instead of asking "What is the problem?" we can ask "Who has already solved this problem?" or "What is working well in similar situations?". This shift in mindset opens up new avenues for exploration and encourages us to look beyond the conventional wisdom. By reframing problems, we can tap into the collective intelligence of a community or organization and find innovative solutions that may have been overlooked.

3. The importance of local knowledge and expertise

The book emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and expertise in finding effective solutions to complex problems. The authors argue that solutions imposed from the outside often fail because they do not take into account the unique context and constraints of a community or organization. Instead, they advocate for a bottom-up approach that values and leverages the local knowledge and expertise of individuals within the community.

By involving the community in the problem-solving process, we can tap into their deep understanding of the local context and leverage their expertise to find solutions that are more likely to be effective and sustainable. This approach also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community, as they are actively involved in shaping their own solutions. The book provides numerous examples of how local knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in solving complex problems, ranging from reducing malnutrition in Vietnam to improving healthcare in rural communities.

4. The power of small actions and incremental change

The book highlights the power of small actions and incremental change in driving meaningful and sustainable transformation. The authors argue that complex problems are often best addressed through a series of small, manageable steps rather than grand, sweeping initiatives. By breaking down a problem into smaller components and focusing on incremental change, we can make progress more quickly and effectively.

This approach is particularly relevant in situations where resources and support may be limited. By starting small and building momentum, we can demonstrate the feasibility and impact of our solutions, which can then attract additional resources and support. The book provides numerous examples of how small actions and incremental change have led to significant improvements, such as reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving education outcomes.

5. The role of leadership in fostering positive deviance

The book emphasizes the critical role of leadership in fostering positive deviance within an organization or community. The authors argue that leaders have the power to create an environment that encourages and supports innovative thinking and action. They can set the tone by reframing problems, valuing local knowledge and expertise, and promoting a culture of experimentation and learning.

Effective leaders also play a key role in identifying and amplifying positive deviants within their organization or community. They recognize and celebrate individuals or groups who have found unique and successful solutions to problems, and they provide the necessary resources and support to scale up these solutions. By nurturing positive deviance, leaders can drive meaningful and sustainable change.

6. The importance of learning from failure

The book highlights the importance of learning from failure in the process of finding innovative solutions to complex problems. The authors argue that failure is an inevitable part of the problem-solving journey, and it should be embraced as an opportunity for learning and growth.

By reframing failure as a valuable source of information and feedback, we can uncover valuable insights that can inform our future actions. The book provides examples of how organizations and communities have used failure as a catalyst for change, such as learning from unsuccessful attempts to reduce child malnutrition in Vietnam and using those insights to develop more effective strategies.

7. The power of collective action and collaboration

The book emphasizes the power of collective action and collaboration in solving complex problems. The authors argue that no single individual or organization has all the answers, and that meaningful change requires the collective effort of multiple stakeholders.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, we can leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of a community or organization. This collaborative approach not only leads to more innovative and effective solutions, but also fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

8. The importance of sustainability and long-term impact

The book emphasizes the importance of sustainability and long-term impact in the process of solving complex problems. The authors argue that solutions that are not sustainable or scalable are unlikely to have a lasting impact.

By focusing on solutions that can be embedded within the existing systems and structures of a community or organization, we can ensure that the positive changes are maintained and built upon over time. The book provides examples of how organizations and communities have achieved sustainable impact by integrating positive deviance into their existing practices and systems.