Scroll Up Top
Print icon
Print

What, not who, is your biggest competitor? It's a term you learned in physics class for matter that remains in an existing state of rest or motion unless that state is changed by an external force. It's inertia—and you're the external force.

How can you be the external force that shifts clients from a state of inertia and inspires good decision-making? We believe the principles of positive psychology are the antidote to inertia.

Chasing Positivity® is a practice management framework that incorporates these principles through the application of 3 Dynamics:

  • Communicating empathically: Taking the other person's perspective, listening carefully and asking questions out of genuine interest during conversation.
  • Collaborating consciously: Actively listening to ensure others feel that their opinions matter, and that they're part of the decision-making process.
  • Inspiring action: Using words and phrases rooted in positive psychology to create motivating environments.

Leverage the 3 Dynamics the next time a client conversation is stuck in a state of inertia. You can be the external force that turns complacency into action.

Bottom line: Make a list of every client who asked you to "circle back after the holidays" and seek to bring the 3 Dynamics to each conversation.

Leverage the 3 Dynamics the next time a client conversation is stuck in a state of inertia. You can be the external force that turns complacency into action.

The Author

Risk considerations: At the Advisor Institute, our goal is not to shape your opinion or provide investment advice, rather to share this viewpoint as an example of what we believe to be a superb display of thesis articulation.

The views and opinions and/or analysis expressed are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Furthermore, the views will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or circumstances existing, or changes occurring, after the date of publication. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment personnel at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively “the Firm”), and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors or the investment team. These conclusions are speculative in nature, may not come to pass and are not intended to predict the future performance of any specific strategy or product the Firm offers. Future results may differ significantly depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions.

This material has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, no assurances are provided regarding the reliability of such information and the Firm has not sought to independently verify information taken from public and third-party sources.

This material is a general communication, which is not impartial and all information provided has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy. The information herein has not been based on a consideration of any individual investor circumstances and is not investment advice, nor should it be construed in any way as tax, accounting, legal or regulatory advice. To that end, investors should seek independent legal and financial advice, including advice as to tax consequences, before making any investment decision.

Charts and graphs provided herein are for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.   The indexes are unmanaged and do not include any expenses, fees or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Any index referred to herein is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of the applicable licensor. Any product based on an index is in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the applicable licensor and it shall not have any liability with respect thereto.