Positivist / Negativist
One axis. Two ways of seeing.

Cognitive and Expressive Tendencies
• Perceives things as “what exists” and “what has been realized”
• Seeks to optimize and refine what is already there
• Relatively open and affirmative at first meetings
• Uses affirmative expressions more than negative ones (“can do,” “there is”)
• Even when pointing out a problem, adds an affirmation: “we have this, but we also have that”

Examples (affirmative framing)
• “This glass is half full”
• “We’ve already raised $438,000”
• “On this point, I think you’re right”

Cognitive and Expressive Tendencies
• Perceives things through “what is missing” and “what falls short”
• Quick to spot problems, defects, and unmet goals — and wants to resolve them
• Keeps some distance at first meetings, judging cautiously
• Uses negative expressions more than affirmative ones (“it’s not...,” “it doesn’t...”)
• When presenting an issue, enters from the negative side: “this is good, but this is lacking”

Examples (negative framing)
• “This glass is half empty”
• “We’re still $62,000 short”
• “I think that’s wrong, because...”