Making Positive Psychology Work

Martin Seligman is a leading authority in the fields of positive psychology, resilience, learned helplessness, depression, optimism, and pessimism.  He is the director of the Penn Positive Psychology Center, the Penn Master of Applied Positive Psychology program.  In this conversation, you will hear Martin share what he would like attendees to take away from his presentation at the 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology.  He talks about changes he is seeing with governments as they implement positive psychology practices.  Martin believes well-being should be one of the principle goals of political policy around the world.   Martin also talks about positive psychology in the workplace. He shares one small change that he believes can make a big impact on workplaces.  He also shares that increases in occupational well-being should decrease accidents and increase safety in the workplace. Connect with Martin Seligman: Website - http://authentichappiness.org You’ll Learn: [02:02]  - Martin will be speaking at the IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology in July in Montreal.  He shares what he would like attendees to learn in his session, “Positive Psychology: Past, Present, and Future”. [03:55] - Martin shares some of the changes he is seeing with governments as they implement these ideas.  He shares the five groups to life satisfaction and happiness, which forms the acronym, PERMA. [05:51] - Martin talks about the ways of measuring well-being with psychometric accuracy. [09:03] - Martin shares his confidence that these are the pillars of well-being and that governments can make changes with well-being.  He explains how they are using social media to measure the results. [12:17] - Martin states that our positive emotional system is built around the question, “what works?”   [13:49] - Martin shares a small change that can make big differences in the workplace. [16:22] - Martin defines good leadership in the workplace.   [17:45] - Occupational safety dangers are increased by depression, anxiety, and anger. [18:41] - Martin explains how his original theories on learned helplessness may have been wrong. [20:44] - Martin talks about the idea of positive psychology practices may not be a good fit for certain workplace environments. [22:10] - The Lightning Round with Martin Seligman. Your Resources: Martin Seligman’s books on Amazon Flourish - Martin Seligman Homo Prospectus - Martin Seligman 5th World Congress in 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.   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 Martin for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of Psychology at the University of California - Riverside. Her research on the science of happiness has been the recipient of many honors.  She is a best-selling author of the books The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want and The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does. In this conversation, you will hear Sonja share her thoughts and findings on happiness.  Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interactions work.  Sonja also talks about some of the myths of happiness, which is the topic of her latest book.  She talks about the identification process to determine which interactions may work for individuals.  She also talks about happiness in group dynamics, specifically the workplace.  Sonja must present these interventions in various ways, depending on the environment and situation and she explains how she does that.   Connect with Sonja Lyubomirsky: Website: http://sonjalyubomirsky.com/ You’ll Learn: [01:57] - Sonja shares what she hopes attendees gain from her presentations on happiness. Sonja says that it is possible to become happier. [03:06] - Happiness is a broad term and Sonja describes how she defines the term.   [04:07] - Sonja’s talks about the short-term and long-term improvements people can make with happiness.  She explains that short-term happiness is easier to achieve than long-term happiness. [05:10] - Sonja describes the benefits of people being happy in the workplace.  She also explains why it’s not a good thing to be “too happy” in the workplace. [06:46] - Sonja lists a few interventions that people can use in the workplace to become happier at work. [08:38]- Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interventions work.  She talks about gratitude and the role that factors like culture and dosage play a role. [10:37] - In her book, The How of Happiness, Sonja provides a survey to help determine which interventions might work for individuals.  She talks about this identification process. [13:04] - Sonja shares some of the myths of happiness. [15:32] - Sonja talks about the idea of happiness and well-being in social environments and with each other in various relationships. [16:50] - Happiness shouldn’t be forced on anyone. Sonja talks about situations where happiness interventions aren’t the right strategy. [19:11] - Sonja explains how she presents these interventions in different types of workplaces. [20:00] - The Lightning Round with Sonja Lyubomirsky Your Resources: The International Positive Psychology Association’s 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life - Dacher Keltner The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence - Dacher Keltner The Art of Happiness - Dalai Lama The Undoing Process: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds - Michael Lewis 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 Sonja for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Paula Davis Laack is a former practicing lawyer, an internationally published writer, media contributor, and a stress and resilience expert.  She has designed and taught burnout prevention and resilience workshops for thousands of professionals around the world. She also taught resilience skills to more than 25,000 soldiers.   While a lot of people are familiar with the term “burnout”, they don’t know what it is and how it develops.  In this conversation, you will hear Paula talk about burnout and how individuals can avoid it. She also discusses the strategies that organizations can implement to help team members avoid burnout. Connect with Paula Davis Laack: Website: http://pauladavislaack.com You’ll Learn: [01:55] - Paula explains why burnout is such an issue in workplaces, even though businesses have been addressing this issue for a long time. [03:45] - Paula defines “burnout” as a process of chronic stress.  She explains the difference between stress and burnout. [05:18] - Paula addresses how individuals can avoid burnout.  She provides a template to evaluate your burnout or potential burnout. [07:15] - The “I’m too busy” narrative is something Paula will be addressing in an upcoming blog post.  This is something we need to be aware of and stop over-using.   [07:44] - Paula talks about STRONG strategies. [09:22] - Small changes can make a huge differences.  Paula talks about STOP, which is one of her favorite mindfulness techniques. [10:12] - Paula explains how to use passwords to move forward with your goals. [11:06] - Paula believes resilience skills can be very simple. [12:30] - Paula lists some things organizations can do to help employees avoid burnout. [15:56] - Paula says you can’t be “too resilient”.  This is an important skill for people to have. [19:35] The Lightning Round with Paul Davis Laack Your Resources: Addicted to Busy: Your Blueprint for Burnout Prevention The Upside of Stress: Why Stress is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It - Kelly McGonical Kelly McGonical Ted Talk Daring Greatly - Brené Brown The Psychologically Healthy Workplace: Building a Win-Win Environment Organizations and Employees Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself - Kristin Neff 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 Paula for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Carin Rockind is the creator of Purpose Girl, a movement to empower purpose-driven living.  She is also a leading happiness expert who works with companies around the world, teaching real-life strategies to help people live to their fullest potential of success and well-being.   In this conversation, you will hear Carin talk about purpose. Carin explains why purpose is a verb. She describes how you can find purpose in your life, even in existing situations.  She also talks about purpose in the workplace and how leaders can help individuals find more purpose in their work. Connect with Carin Rockind: Website: CarinRockind.com You’ll Learn: [01:15] - Carin believes purpose is the driving force behind who we are. She explains why purpose is so important. [02:32] - Carin explains why it’s so difficult people to discover their purpose. [05:19] - Carin talks about finding purpose in your existing situation.   [11:00] - “Start where you are.”  Carin talks about how the start the process of identifying and working towards your purpose and what lights you up. [12:38] - If you are unable to “start where you are” in your company, Carin explains other venues that you can use. [13:28] - Carin encourages you to not hide your passions.   [16:39] - Carin describes how leaders can help individuals find more purpose in their work. [20:30] - Carin says we can’t have too much purpose because it leads to life satisfaction.  However, it can lead to obsession, which impacts other areas of our lives. [23:15] - The Lightning Round with Carin Rockind. Your Resources: F Midlife Strength Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow - Gallup & Tom Rath You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life - Jen Sincero The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are - Brene Brown Brene Brown Ted Talks 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 Carin for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Russ Harris is the author of the international best-selling self help book, The Happiness Trap.  He is a therapist and coach, as well as a world renowned trainer of acceptance and commitment therapy, otherwise known as ACT.  He has provided ACT training to over 20,000 people all around the world. In this conversation, you will hear Russ talk about the ACT approach. He explains how individuals and organizations can use the ACT approach to work through negativity and be comfortable with accepting rather than solving. Connect with Russ Harris: Website: ActMindfully.com.au You’ll Learn: [01:28] - Russ talks about finding healthy ways to accept things that seem completely unacceptable.   [04:07] - Russ shares how those of us that are used to a CBT approach to our challenges can get comfortable with accepting rather than solving.   [07:55] - Self-compassion is an important skill to normalize being able to get comfortably uncomfortable.  Russ explains how the ACT approach works through negativity.   [09:54] - Russ talks about the ideas of expansion, anchoring, pursuing the value of kindness, and connectedness with others. [12:22] - Russ describes how to introduce these ideas into workplaces.  He describes his experiences with different types of work environments. [17:24] - When asked about work situations where ACT approach may not be a good fit, Russ shares the range of situations where these strategies have been implemented. [19:50] - The Lightning Round with Russ Harris Your Resources: The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT - Russ Harris and Steven Hayes Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace 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 Russ for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Jo Murray is a facilitator and change consultant with a Masters in Positive Psychology from Melbourne University.  Jo is specifically interested in how leaders in organizations can use the concept of psychological capital to improve the engagement and wellbeing of their employees.    While your organization may measure and track your economic, human or even social capital, have you ever considered the psychological capital?  Psychological capital is about understanding what individuals uniquely bring to their role and the organization to give it life and vitality, and their potential to be great and perform at extraordinary levels.  By providing meaningful and productive feedback to your staff based on the components of psychological capital  - hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism -  you can unlock the performance potential of your team.   You’ll Learn: [01:33] - Jo explains that psychological capital is simply described as the notion of who you are and, more importantly, who you’re becoming. [02:44] – As an organization leader it means tapping into when your employees enjoy their job, are motivated and optimistic about improving their performance. [03:36] - People who are higher in psychological capital are more engaged, involved, and rewarded by the work they do.   [04:27] - Jo explains how psychological capital is the dynamic interplay between hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism (HERO). [08:10] – You can use these four elements of psychological capital by firstly becoming conscious of what you’re doing as a leader and then using as a basis when you manage performance or provide feedback to your staff.   [09:53] - Jo shares her experiences and thoughts on how organizations can introduce the practices of psychological capital into workplaces. [12:04] - Jo talks about the importance of understanding why and being ready to introduce the concept of psychological capital into an organization. [14:50] - Jo shares one example of introducing psychological capital into a challenging workplace and the benefits of providing feedback in a meaningful, productive way that actually unlocks performance. [17:34] – Jo explains how you can find more information on psychological capital and learn how to introduce it into your workplace. [18:46] - The Lightning Round with Jo Murray. Your Resources: The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection - Brené Brown Practicing Positive Leadership: Tools and Techniques That Create Extraordinary Results - Kim Cameron Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being - Martin E. P. Seligman How to Be a Positive Leader: Small Actions, Big Impact - Jane E Dutton and Gretchen Spreitzer 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 Jo for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Kathleen Cator is a clinical psychologist and former nurse with over 20 years’ experience as a health professional. Kathleen leads self-compassion and mindfulness based training and therapies in public, education, and health care settings. Self-compassion is about treating yourself during difficult or challenging times as you would a good friend - with kindness, understanding and encouragement. While it’s easy to believe that by being critical of your faults and failings you are more likely to be motivated to make changes, however this has actually been found to undermine your progress. However, when you practice self-compassion you are more likely to learn from your mistakes, and improve your motivation, performance, and wellbeing. Connect with Kathleen Cator Website:  http://mettahp.com.au/ You’ll Learn: [01:24] - Kathleen explains how you can use the same principles of showing compassion to others, to be compassionate to yourself. [02:43] – Research has found that self-compassion improves your emotional and physical wellbeing, your relationships, and can help you make positive changes.  [06:45] - Your brain has evolved to make you safe, and so focuses on possible threats. You can use mindfulness to choose a more self-compassionate response.  [07:48] - Kathleen describes the three steps in practicing self-compassion. [09:50] - Kathleen shares some simple self-compassion practices that you can try in the workplace. [12:44] - Kathleen explains the relationship between self-compassion and mindfulness. [14:23] - Kathleen discusses how leaders can encourage the practice of self-compassion.   [15:54] – Kathleen raises the challenges of introducing self-compassion into workplaces.   [17:03] - The Lightning Round with Kathleen Cator Your Resources: The Museum of Modern Love - by Heather RoseMetta Learning Tools 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 Kathleen for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Louisa Jewell is a speaker, author, facilitator, and wellbeing teacher who has inspired thousands of people worldwide to be more confident.  She founded the Canadian Positive Psychology Association and her work has been featured in numerous publications. In this conversation, you will hear Louisa share her thoughts on developing more confidence, to help you and your organization become more innovative.  Louisa believes confidence is finding the courage to act in the moment you want to put a great idea forward.  While some self-doubt can be motivating, too much self-doubt and self-questioning can stop you in your tracks and undermine your wellbeing. Connect with Louisa Jewell Website - http://positivitymatters.com Twitter - @LouisaJewell You’ll Learn: [01:48] - Louisa talks about the importance of innovation in today’s business-world, and to be innovative organizations need people with the confidence to speak up about their great ideas. [04:05] - Louisa shares how confidence means having the courage to act in that moment when you have a great idea . [06:08] - Wile some self-doubt can motivate you to be better prepared as you move forward, you need to let go of chronic self-doubt. [08:20] - “Fail fast, fail often” is a popular motto right now, but to make this work Louisa suggests organizations  need structures to make it safe to fail.   [15:36] - Louisa believes leaders should consider how they can encourage small steps to success, and build  problem-solving muscles within their teams. [19:35] - Louisa shares some advice if you feel that your organization isn't a confidence-enabling environment.   [21:30] - Failure does not feel good and Louisa talks about how you can become comfortable with failure. [24:36] - The Lightning Round with Louisa Jewell Your Resources: Your Strengths Blueprint: How to be Engaged, Energized, and Happy at Work - Michelle McQuaid and Erin Law The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business - Charles Duhigg Charles Duhigg Resources 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 Louisa for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson is a distinguished professor of psychology and neuroscience.  She is the director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  With 140 peer-reviewed articles published and translated into a dozen languages, her research is funded by the US National Institute of Health.   “Positive psychology is not just for when things are going well.”  This conversation may be exactly what some of you need in these times of global political uncertainty and fear.  Barbara talks about maintaining positivity and functioning or flourishing in times of negativity.   Connect with Barbara Fredrickson Barbara Fredrickson’s page on the Social Psychology Network You’ll Learn: [01:50] - As 2016 concludes, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear in the world due to political changes.  Barbara talks about the role of positive psychology in these times. [03:35] - Barbara shares her thoughts on maintaining positivity in the face of fear. [05:40] - Barbara talks about functioning and flourishing during periods of negativity. [06:35] - Some negativity is recycled and Barbara talks about approaching those situations. [10:55] - Barbara talks about reaching out with positivity to those that you have ideological differences with. [13:11] - A lot of Barbara’s research is on love and positivity resonance between people.  She talks about aspects of her research that are more important now, in these times. [15:35] - Barbara talks about the value of meditation in times of negative emotional state. [18:48] - I have found Barbara’s tool on tracking positivity ratio to be very valuable.  She talks about this tool and how it can be used. [20:11] - Barbara shares her thoughts on how leaders of organizations can help others balance these feelings. [22:25] - The Lightning Round with Barbara Fredrickson. Your Resources: President Obama - our positive psychologist-in-chief  (by Sonja Lyubomirsky) Positivity Ratio Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power That Elevates People and Organizations - Monica Worline and Jane E. Dutton Stories of You Life and Others - Ted Chiang Positivity Resonance 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 Barbara for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Monica Worline is an organizational psychologist, speaker, author, and the founder and CEO of Alive and Work, an organization that teaches businesses how to tap into courageous thinking, compassionate leadership, and the curiosity to bring their best work to life. In this conversation, you will hear Monica Worline describe the importance of compassion, specifically within organizations.  Monica shares components of her personal blueprint for compassion that she explains, in-depth in her upcoming book, Awakening Compassion at Work.   Business leaders may resist compassion in their organization because it’s perceived as “soft”, but Monica shares that research shows that embracing compassion can positively impact the business financially.  Monica also describes the dilemmas that organization leaders can face when embracing compassion in the workplace. Connect with Monica Worline Website - MonicaWorline.com or TheCompassionLab.comTwitter - @monicaworline You’ll Learn: [02:02] - Monica talks about compassion and shares how compassion is different than empathy. [03:52] - Business leaders often feel that compassion is too soft to be relevant to their bottom line and Monica explains how research shows that compassion impacts the things that cost businesses money. [06:34] -  Monica describes the personal blueprint for compassion. [12:06] - Monica talks about how organizations can implement compassion into the system. [17:43] - Monica talks about the fears that leaders experience when considering compassion. [19:04] - Monica shares how stories can help build compassionate workplaces. [21:00] - Monica recently worked with an organization to help them create a more compassionate environment and she talks about working with them through stories. [22:51] - Monica explains how practitioners and researchers need to realize that compassion is not fast or easy in workplaces. She explains that it leads to many dilemmas for leaders. [25:40] - The Lightning Round with Monica Worline Your Resources: Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power That Elevates People and Organizations - Monica Worline and Jane E Dutton Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfuilling Life - Todd B. Kashdan Talk of Love: How Culture Matters - Ann Swindler 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 Monica for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!