How much do you know about negativity bias?

We are all impacted by negativity bias. But do you know what it is? Take this short quiz to test your knowledge and find ways to counterbalance its impact.

1. What exactly is negativity bias?

a) A stock-picking strategy of looking for loss-making companies that are undervalued by the market.

b) The tendency to empathize more with people who are suffering misfortune.

c) The tendency to be affected more strongly by negative events than positive ones.

Answer: (c). Negativity bias is a strong human tendency. Typically, it takes four positive experiences to equal the impact we feel from a single negative one. Critical (corrective) feedback, for example, has a much greater impact on most of us than reinforcing (positive) feedback.

2. What’s the best way to give corrective feedback?

a) By using the ‘sandwich model’ – give reinforcing feedback first, then corrective, then reinforcing again.

b) By giving it immediately after reinforcing feedback.

c) By putting space between reinforcing and corrective feedback.

Answer: (c). Putting space between reinforcing and corrective messages is the most effective way to give feedback. The sandwich model tends to be ineffective because, rather than properly taking in the reinforcing feedback, your mind is anticipating the negative message you know is coming next. The model is designed to help people ‘swallow’ corrective feedback, but negativity bias means it lands with four times the intended impact.

3. How can you counteract negativity bias?

a) Through physical exercise.

b) By talking to someone.

c) By switching your focus through gratitude.

Answer: All of the above. Exercise can interrupt the cycle of negative emotions during moments of heightened stress by moderating cortisol levels, so go for a run or a brisk walk (or just stand up against the wall and stretch) to release pent-up energy and change your mindset. And talking to someone you trust to get another perspective will help you see if you’re being too negative – but make sure it’s someone who’s not in the same situation as you, otherwise you end up reinforcing each other’s gloom and doom! Finally, building the simple habit of gratitude not only lessens the strength of negativity bias but contributes to better mental health and well-being generally.

Key takeaway

Like all cognitive biases, negativity bias is automatic and pre-conscious. When you know how it works, you can consciously remind yourself what’s going on in your brain and override it.

John R. Weeks

Professor of Leadership at IMD

IMD professor John R Weeks helps leaders understand how they can manage themselves to lead others more effectively and to have a positive and intentional impact on the culture in their part of their organization. Before joining IMD in 2007, he spent 11 years at INSEAD, France, where he was nominated three times as Best Teacher. An American who has lived on three continents, he served on the Board of Directors of LEO Pharma, and he has worked with clients in Europe, the Americas and Asia. At IMD, he is co-Director of the High Performance Leadership program.

Francesca-Giulia Mereu

Executive coach

Francesca–Giulia Mereu is an executive coach with over 25 years’ experience, specializing in personal energy management and leadership transition. She is the author of Recharge Your Batteries, a certified yoga teacher, and creator of the popular “Energy Check” online tool. She coaches senior leaders at IMD and through CCHN, the Center of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation. She shares more energy-focused posts via her LinkedIn private group.