Positive Deviant Characteristics

Positive Deviant Characteristics clearly set them apart.

This list describes the main features of what we describe as Positive Deviants. There may be other divergent thoughts about Positive Deviant Characteristics-which is exactly why this group of people defy complete categorization.

Very open, curious and willing to explore ideas. A positive deviant knows that staying in the question will, with time, provide an answer. They are always looking for better, faster, less costly in time, energy and money- ways, to do things. Their minds are like eternal antenna’s, tuned to frequencies that most people miss. They surrender their own way/idea/process in a heart beat if offered something that will work better, faster, cheaper and for the greater advantage to all.

Daring, courageous, motivated by adventure, what’s next? A PD is bold enough to initiate new idea’s. They don’t need the idea to be perfect first (Forever Beta). They will continue to work with the prototype until they get the major kinks out. Their motivation is about giving it a go, versus being afraid of failure. They are true innovative entrepreneurs.

Receptive to feedback/low ego. PD's want feedback, from others and from the environment. Feedback is their altimeter, allowing for subtle or overt corrections as they move forwards. If the feedback is delivered in an ego attacking way, they move through their ego issues far more quickly than most, and take the personal out of it, asking if the feedback has use and/or truth. Personal mastery is their compass.

Intrinsically motivated to do extrinsic “value to society” activities. The PD has a very strong intrinsic motivator that is about service to others, the environment, community. They no longer view that they work for a living. They work for the love of their work and the value it adds to others. They have a comprehensive perspective of their place and part in the world. They are plugged into a far greater game than the game of work for money, status and stuff. They have their egoic self on a tight leash because of their highly developed self awareness.

Passionate, energetic, vibrant, enthusiastic, dynamic. PD's seems to have a well of energy that explodes into everything they do. Their view is about what is possible, how can we do this, what can I do, what do I need to see that I am not? Speed bumps and road blocks are perceived as opportunities to make course corrections and keep going.

High cognitive development. Most PD's have a quick and agile mind, and can see the META meta perspective. Because perspective is relative, positive deviants are able to go to the highest altitude perspective with ease. They grasp complex issues, integrating them and staying within the issue until they have found the simplicity on the other side. They like to be challenged in their thinking, and to practice daily, mind expanding activities, such as dialogue, learning and practical experimentation.

High morals and ethics. By nature of the word positive in the positive deviant title, PD's have a very sharply tuned integrous compass. They have an awareness of the affect of their actions, thoughts, and words, and seek to only contribute in a positive way. Integrity is their code. They are constantly practicing Integrity, on an ever increasing basis.

A Sixth Sense. PD's have a high degree of self esteem, universal trust, and intuitive respect. Therefore, they seem to be tuned in to a extra sensory compass. This shows up in different ways for different people. For some it is a highly tuned ability to read people, for others it is a very agile grasp of structure, form and systems. Others have a very highly evolved sense of time and space. Whatever the skill, it is based on an ability to tune into the intuitive and have the courage and grace to act from this, with humility, not righteousness. This is an essential Positive Deviant Characteristic.

Walk to the beat of a different drum. This Positive Deviant Characteristic is intrinsic. PD's have confidence in their differences. This is not because of ego. They simply see the world differently, and behave in alignment with this. Their values reflect a profound comprehensive view, they have a grounded sense of certainty and an absence of fear. They are not interested in power over. They are interested in working with, collaboration, doing the work, and challenging current perceptions.

Highly creative. PD's are highly creative. They are not bound by normal rules. They often break with tradition and are constantly seeking different ways to apply, do, and be. They may be artists, musicians, film makers, writers or entrepreneurs, even athletes. However they will find ways to express their creativity. It is like oxygen to a PD.

Positive Deviant Characteristcs are not fixed. The one feature that is fixed is the evolving nature of PD's. Because of their adaptability, Positive Deviants have a chameleon like characteristic. When the environment around them changes, they will change.

To explore your Positive Deviant Characteristics take this fun assessment.

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