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This paper is in follow up to a presentation by its authors at the 2015 Association of Training and Development Conference in Orlando, Florida where participants gathered to learn new and innovative ways of working with people. Teams are everywhere in our global society, and we see untapped opportunities to harness the energy and potential to achieve positive results. The purpose of this paper is to offer a coaching approach to working with teams that utilizes positive deviance eliciting strengths, unique skills and knowledge, and building on these to create engagement and results.

The paper is based on the coaching and professional development work with leaders and teams in organizations. The concept of positive deviance is one that the authors have explored with individuals, groups, and teams over the past several years. The approach emerged from the application of theory in practice supporting ongoing learning and development.

The authors of this paper find organizations and members of teams wanting to be successful yet often still operating in silos. Supporting leaders and team members using a positive team coaching approach creates an environment that expands thinking, encourages creativity and learning, and develops strong teams.

This paper proposes utilizing an approach that brings multiple theories together in practice. Positive team coaching includes establishing a mindset of positivity, exploring for and promoting positive deviance, and cultivating positive beliefs.