Balance Is Everything: Why Narratives Need Both Positivity and Negativity

In business and communication, finding the right balance between positivity and negativity is essential. Too much of either can distort reality and weaken your story.

When it comes to storytelling — whether in society, on social media, or within organisations — human beings have a natural tendency to lean towards negativity. Psychologists call this the “negativity bias.” We are quicker to imagine what might go wrong than what could go right.

You don’t have to look far to see this at work. On social media, someone shares a piece of positive news and, almost immediately, critical comments appear. Even when there is more to celebrate than complain about, the conversation often drifts in a negative direction.

Inside organisations, however, the opposite problem frequently arises. Anything negative may be frowned upon, creating a culture of forced optimism. In these environments, issues are glossed over, challenges are ignored, and positivity becomes unwarranted.

Both extremes are unhelpful. Too much negativity drains energy, undermines confidence, and prevents progress. Too much positivity, on the other hand, blinds us to reality and stops us from addressing the challenges that genuinely need attention.

The answer lies in balance. The most powerful narratives are those that acknowledge the difficulties ahead while also inspiring belief in what is possible. They face reality honestly, but they also point people towards a shared purpose and a more compelling future.

This is the essence of a Strategic Narrative. It is not about spin or about choosing between optimism and realism. It is about weaving both together into a story that gives meaning to the present, clarity about the challenges, and confidence about the future.

If you are interested in how to create that balance within your organisation, you can explore it further here: The Strategic Narrative.