An “energy vampire” is a person who drains the energy of an organization by complaining, expressing negativity, or failing to share the group’s values. In keeping with his emphasis on Establishing a Positive Culture, Gordon stresses the importance of confronting these people and either trying to transform them or weeding them out of the organization. This also supports his overall point about The Importance of Connected and Accountable Teams, as energy vampires may flout the principles and values of an organization that prioritizes positivity.

Gordon bases his definition of grit on Angela Duckworth’s, whose 2016 bestseller Grit identified grit as the number one predictor of success. Like Duckworth, Gordon defines grit in terms of perseverance in pursuit of a goal, but he integrates it into a broader discussion of the factors (e.g., purpose) that allow an individual to maintain positivity in challenging times.

Intrinsic goals are goals related to values or otherwise unquantifiable outcomes. As opposed to measurable goals, intrinsic goals inspire a team and give it purpose. Gordon uses the example of Organic Valley milk, which does not ignore sales numbers but prioritizes its work providing business to farmers and creating healthy dairy products.