The Five to One Ratio

• Troy sites work by John Gottman on married couples. He found that those who engage in a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions or better had a much better chance at establishing a happy and stable relationship. Good relationships are important and they take time to establish. Keep the 5:1 ratio in mind as you communicate with people you work and play with. A good relationship will see you through a crisis with someone.
• Troy also suggests that you consult Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. Such conversations often involve delivering bad news. If you have laid a foundation of positive communication, you are likely to have more success in difficult situations.

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