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Positive Psychology
is the science of human flourishing that emerged
in 1998 when Martin Seligman was president of
the American Psychological Association. After
decades of studying depression Seligman
recognized that there was no study of what is
right with human beings and institutions.
Seligman founded not just a science, but a
movement followed by people who believe in the
possibility of a better world. Positive
Psychology scholars are not naive. They
understand and appreciate the ills of the world.
However, they choose to not dwell on them and
they recognize that what is best about people
and institutions deserves to be studied,
revealed and enhanced.
Positive Pyschology has identified 3 pathways to well-being. The first is positive subjective experiences; such as pleasure, gratification or positive emotions. Positive experiences cannot create sustainable well-being alone; but we have learned a lot about the potency of positive emotions, much of the discovery stemming from the work of Barbara Fredrickson at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
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Barbara’s work suggests that when
we experience positive emotions we are more
intelligent, more creative, have a more global
perspective, and are less racially biased. In
addition, while we experience positive emotions
we build sustainable physical, psychological,
emotional and social resources. The experience
of positive emotions has so many ramifications
for our workplaces that have yet to be fully
explored, but we do know that being positive is
a good thing. No, it’s a great thing!
The second pathway to well-being is positive
individual traits; the enhancement of strengths.
There are many types of individual strengths
such as character strengths, talents, skills and
knowledge. By enhancing the use of one’s
strengths in daily life, one can expect
increased well-being. Organizations that support
employees in strengths discovery and use will
find that it is not only good for the
individual, but for the business. Through
strengths use individuals can find themselves in
a state of flow where they lose track of time,
become absorbed in their work and function at
the highest levels of productivity. Strengths
use has dramatic implications for the workplace.
Sadly, Gallup surveys suggest that most
Americans feel they have little opportunity to
use their strengths at work.
The last pathway to well-being is positive
institutions. Positive institutions enable the
use of positive traits which enhance positive
experiences and emotions. What could be possible
if workplaces became positive institutions? Part
of the positive experience is finding meaning in
what we do. Work is a basic human need and an
ingredient for human happiness, but employers
have primarily missed the opportunity to help
employees see and feel the greater good behind
their work experience. While most employers have
a mission statement that hangs on the wall, it
is rarely brought to life for employees. Human
beings long for meaning in their lives. They
want to belong and make a contribution. That is
good news for employers who understand the power
of building a positive culture.
Positive psychology researchers are building a
wealth of research around the concept of
positive psychological capital – understanding
who we are and who we are becoming. Leadership
Beyond Limits, LLC offers a unique and deep
development experience for leaders to envision
their future self and to enhance their self
awareness through a study of their beliefs,
strengths, relationships, purpose, optimism,
confidence and resilience.
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