Chapter 1: The Power of Your Presence

How do you present yourself in various environments, be it in professional meetings or social gatherings? At this stage in my life, I've come to realize that individuals typically embody either an additive or subtractive presence. This characteristic is rooted more in one's general attitude and approach to life rather than merely being optimistic or pessimistic. It’s an important path to consider and nurture.

To illustrate the concept of adding value, consider these scenarios:

• When a friend embarks on a new venture, you proactively ask, "How can I assist you in your new journey?"
• You’re inclined to "pay it forward" by offering your expertise and effort.
• Your genuine interest often lies in the intention behind actions rather than their immediate rewards.
• You take pleasure in linking friends with new opportunities, embracing the role of a "connector."
• You extend your hand to both the marginalized and the successful.
• Your initial thought when initiating a project is often, "How can I maximize benefits for others?"
• You willingly share constructive feedback without needing to be prompted.

Occasionally, plussing involves providing candid observations. If something feels amiss, it’s vital to muster the courage to inquire, "Is this truly the focus you want to prioritize?"

Conversely, subtractive or divisive questions often manifest in the workplace as:

• "We've already attempted that, and it failed."
• "What’s the return on investment?"
• "Can you present the data?"
• "What are some proven methodologies?"

While questioning and discussions are essential to prevent complacency, the absence of challenging inquiries—like "Can we review the metrics from the last initiative?"—can lead to mediocrity. Being met with superficial or lukewarm praise is only marginally better than outright rejection. If everyone is on autopilot, they are merely passengers rather than contributors.

To embody a plusser, you must possess conviction. Confidence is key when posing difficult questions, and having data and best practices is vital to support your business strategies. Most importantly, you should embrace a "YES AND" mindset.

While the response may not always be affirmative, a plusser seeks to enhance the situation. They ponder, "How can I improve this concept? How can I harness this positive energy and amplify it? What steps can I take to add value?"

In a business context, these examples are more evident. However, in personal life, it requires introspection to assess your instinctive reaction to new ideas. Are you typically a YES or a NO? Do you often respond with a YES BUT? If so, can you reframe it as a YES, AND perhaps we could explore this additional avenue?

The primary role of a plusser is to contribute value, generate momentum, and infuse positive energy into any endeavor. Ideally, these efforts align with their objectives and aspirations. Nevertheless, a plusser can also choose to refrain from adding to initiatives that don’t resonate with their values or goals. Ultimately, the aim is to focus on adding value and momentum rather than dividing.

Let’s strive to enhance our ability to ADD and diminish tendencies to DIVIDE.

John McElhenney — Life Coach, Austin, Texas

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PLEASE READ: Letters to a Young Artist in the Digital Age from John McElhenney

Section 1.1: Understanding Plussing

Chapter 2: Engaging with a Positive Mindset

This video, "Dividing Fractions | A Complete Step-By-Step Guide (Learn Everything You Need to Know)," offers a thorough exploration of how to divide fractions. It’s essential for developing a strong foundation in mathematics, enabling you to add value to your understanding of the subject.

The second video, "Master the Order of Operations (PEMDAS) in Math - [5-7-5] - YouTube," delves into mastering the order of operations, an integral part of mathematical proficiency. This knowledge is vital for anyone looking to enhance their mathematical skills and contribute positively in academic settings.