Bright spots show positive deviance

Change is most readily accomplished when someone in the group is already modeling the desired behavior. They are deviating in a positive way from the status quo.

Positive deviance occurs when an individual or group should have the problem you’re trying to solve but doesn’t. In other words, they deviate from the norm in a positive direction.[1]

By identifying and pointing to the “bright spots,” others may be encouraged to follow and start to shift the trajectory of the group.


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See also:


  1. Crucial Influence – Grenny, et al. (2023), ch. 2, § “Find Vital Behaviors by Studying Positive Deviance.” ↩︎