ABSTRACT

Abundant psychological energy, or motivation, is a fundamental characteristic of well-functioning organizations. In this chapter we discuss some of the main ways of building energy, emphasizing interactions as the building blocks of organizing and highlighting the importance of positive interactions in the construction of great organizations. We discuss the fundamental characteristics of generative interactions – respectful engagement, task enabling and trust; consider the role of conversations in the creation of positive organizations and explore the importance of engaging in difficult conversations to avoid difficult problems. Finally, we also highlight three virtues that facilitate organizational relational processes, contributing to higher levels of employee engagement, wellbeing and performance.