Making Positive Psychology Work

Peter Block, an author and community development expert from Cincinnati, discusses the power of listening and connection in leadership. He argues that being a visionary isn't necessary; instead, fostering authentic conversations can transform organizational narratives. Block emphasizes embracing uncertainty and addressing cynicism constructively. He highlights the critical role of social connections in enhancing well-being and the importance of recognizing inherent worth over the pressure for constant self-improvement.

Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and Stanford lecturer, delves into the vital role of movement in enhancing our well-being. She reveals that we don't need to hit the gym to reap the benefits; simple, enjoyable activities suffice. Kelly shares how high-intensity movements promote social connections and bolster resilience by producing 'hope molecules.' She also discusses the calming effects of synchronized movements, even while sitting, showing their potential to increase pain tolerance and foster community.

Dr. Michelle McQuaid dives into the chaotic yet magical journey of change in our workplaces. She emphasizes the power of language and conversations in driving positive transformation. Learn how leaders can foster collaboration while shedding traditional management myths. With a focus on resilience, Michelle encourages embracing the messiness of change as a path to growth. Plus, discover simple actions anyone can take, regardless of their position, to create meaningful workplace change. It's a refreshing look at innovation in the face of global challenges!

Tom Rath, a renowned author and researcher, dives into the impact of work on our health and happiness. He reveals startling research showing how work can negatively affect well-being when it should enhance it. Tom offers insights into matching the right people to meaningful roles, much like Tinder does for dating. He introduces Contribify, a tool to help individuals articulate their contributions, encouraging deeper team connections. The discussion emphasizes balancing self-care with professional contributions to foster a positive workplace culture.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, a Professor of Psychology at UC Riverside and bestselling author, discusses the science of happiness. She debunks common myths about what truly makes us happy, emphasizing the significance of personal engagement in our happiness journey. Sonja explores how targeted strategies can enhance well-being, particularly in workplace environments. She also highlights the importance of social interactions and offers insights into balancing positivity with productivity for lasting happiness.

Russ Harris is a renowned therapist and author of "The Happiness Trap," with vast experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In this engaging conversation, he discusses embracing acceptance over problem-solving, the importance of self-compassion, and how ACT can transform negativity into growth. He shares insights on introducing ACT into various workplaces and its adaptability in challenging environments. Listeners will learn practical strategies for enhancing resilience through kindness and authentic connection.

Robert Biswas-Diener, a prominent researcher in positive psychology and author of "The Upside of Your Dark Side," discusses the importance of embracing uncomfortable emotions. He emphasizes that feelings like fear are vital signals indicating something needs attention. Instead of avoiding negativity, he encourages labeling emotions to understand their messages and foster constructive action. Robert also explores how emotional resilience is key during workplace changes, advocating for open communication and holistic approaches to well-being.

George Bonanno is professor of clinical psychology, Director of the Lost Trauma and Emotion Lab, and Director of The Resilience Center for Veterans and Families at Columbia University's Teacher's College. George's research focuses on resilience in the fact of loss and traumatic events. Most of us have the natural tools to deal with extreme adversities in our lives. We cope well when extreme things happen to us. To deal with the world around us, it takes a repertoire of behaviors. Sometimes, this involves what George calls "coping ugly." Sometimes we might need to do something that doesn't seem pretty but is reasonably effective. Connect with George Bonanno: Website for Lost Trauma and Emotion Lab You'll Learn: [01:55] - George will be presenting on loss, trauma, and resilience at the 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology. He shares what he would like attendees to take home from his presentation. [03:45] - Media coverage ensures that we are aware of negative events. The negative psychological consequences can be overcome, and eventually they go away. [05:38] - George believes that resilience is natural and speaks to the fact that organizations are spending money on trying to enhance resilience. [08:50] - George talks about the behaviors that make us cope better. [11:43] - "Coping ugly" is a phrase that George coined and he talks about what this means. [12:55] - George talks about how laughter can be an example of coping ugly. [14:20] - We all know the famous five stages of grief. George states that these stages have been harmful to many people. [16:25] - The Lightning Round with George Bonanno Your Resources: 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss - George A. Bonanno Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo - Hayden Herrera Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free! Special thanks to George for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Kim Cameron is one of the top 10 scholars in organizational sciences. Kim recently spoke at the Canadian Conference on Positive Psychology and he talks with us about positive and relational energy. Positive energy and relational energy has a tremendous positive impact on individuals and organizations. So today, I talk with Kim Cameron, a leading scholar on these topics and positive psychology. In this interview, you will hear how the positive impact of positive energy and relational energy are measurable down to the cellular level. Kim also shares that contribution is more powerful than achievement and he provides examples from the University of Michigan. Some employees may perceive positive practices as manipulation and Kim shares why he believes this opposition will not become more common. This interview was produced in partnership with the Canadian Positive Psychology Association and the 3rd Canadian Conference on Positive Psychology. Tune in to hear more! Kim Cameron's Website: http://webuser.bus.umich.edu/cameronk/?_ga=1.99712030.1617036109.1465915693 You'll Learn [2:20] - People with positive energy and relational energy are four times more likely to succeed. [5:53] - The characteristics of positively energizing leaders. [7:45] - The heliotropic effect and how to unleash it. [9:22] - Contribution goals trump achievement goals [12:58] - Kim talks about the culture of abundance and its positive impact on organizations. [14:34] - The notion of happiness and well-being can be used as a manipulation. [16:18] - Positive practices show results at the cellular level. [18:31] - The lightning round with Kim Cameron Your Resources: "Practicing Positive Leadership" - Kim Cameron Harvard Business Review article by Kim Cameron on "Proof That Positive Work Cultures Are More Productive" "Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being" - Martin Seligman "Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the Upward Spiral That Will Change Your Life" - Barbara Fredrickson "The Science of Well-Being: The Collected Works of Ed Diener" - Ed Diener Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free! Special thanks to Caroline for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

My guest today is David Cooperrider, renowned for his research in appreciative inquiry, a strength-based approach to creating change. In this interview, you will hear how appreciative inquiry is being used to build a better world. David explains how organizations can align strengths in ways that make the system's weaknesses irrelevant. He also shares how individuals and organizations can use this life-centric approach to go through the steps of his new P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E change model. This interview was produced in partnership with the Canadian Positive Psychology Association and the 3rd Canadian Conference on Positive Psychology. Tune in to hear more! Connect with Wayne Baker: Website: www.davidcooperrider.com Twitter: @Dlc6David You'll Learn [2:25] - David explains the basics of appreciative inquiry [4:52] - What you and your organization can gain from this positive change approach [5:27] - Rethinking our approach to change. [7:05] - Step P - Positive re-framing [9:30] - Step O - Omni search and bringing in all of the strengths at every level [10:50] - Step S - Strengthen the strengths [12:28] - Step I - Imagining our future [14:40] - Steps T & I - Translate and improvise [16:30] - Step V - Valuing progress moments [18:02] - Step E - Embedding the change and reversing our mindset on change [20:50] - The lightning round with David Cooperrider Your Resources: DavidCooperrider.com The Spell of the Sensuous by David Abram Canadian Conference On Positive Psychology Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post. Please leave an honest review of the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free! You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing. Until next time, take care! Thank you David!