Making Positive Psychology Work

James Pawelski is the director of education and senior scholar in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the author of the book The Dynamic Individualism of William James.  He serves as the founding director of the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program for more than 10 years, where he teaches courses on positive interventions, the humanities, and human flourishing.  James is an international keynote speaker who regularly makes presentations in English and Spanish.  He has spoken in more then twenty countries and on six continents.  In addition, he also holds paid leadership positions as the founding executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association, member of the steering committee of the International Positive Education Network, and president of the William James Society. James Pawelski's website: (https://jamespawelski.com/) In this discussion, James and I talk about the relationship between positive psychology and philosophy, the roots of positive psychology and why we should understand them, the role of the humanities in understanding, and what the positive in positive psychology is.  James tells us about some of his favorite books for gaining insight into human flourishing as well as why he thinks literature and story telling are so important for a happy life.  You'll Learn: 1:43 – You will learn about James’ recent talk at the European Conference on Positive Psychology about the importance of theory for research and practice.  He talks about the interesting things that happen when you ask careful questions deeply. 3:50 – James talks about what positive psychology means by positive. 5:30 – We hear of how positive psychology, with its focus on what is going well with a person, is complementary to mainstream psychology, which focuses on the negative psychological aspects such as depression or anxiety. 6:58 – James goes into more detail about the relationship between the positive and negative. 8:20 – James answers the question, “Is positive psychology fundamentally about the best things in life, or is it fundamentally about living the best life we can?” 10:40 – We talk more about the importance of a comprehensive approach to positive psychology. 12:00 – The question is raised, “What happens if various positives are in conflict?” 14:28 – James discusses the connection between positive psychology and the humanities. 17:04 – We go into the intersection of positive psychology and the humanities in the workplace. 20:06 – The importance of stories and story telling to a happy life is discussed. 20:36 – James tells us how using the Values in Action Classification of Strengths and Virtues has helped in his own life. 21:27 – He talks about two of his favorite books to help people bring out the best in themselves and others. 22:58 – James talks about a few of the books he is currently reading and why he recommends people studying mindfulness meditation. 24:08 – We hear why James is not a fan of the term optimism and why he prefers the term meliorism. Your Resources: James Pawelski’s website (https://jamespawelski.com/) European Conference on Positive Psychology (www.enpp.eu) Positive Psychology program (www.PositivePsychologyProgram.com) International Positive Psychology Association-Learning Library (Learning Library) James’ Book List: Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman The Upside to Your Dark Side by Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener Positive Emotion: Integrating the Light Sides and Dark Sides by June Gruber and Judith Tedlie Moskowitz The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy “Neighbour Rosicky” by Willa Cather Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth 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 Sue for joining me this week. Until next time, take care! Until next time, take care!

Sue Langley, is a speaker, master trainer, global business consultant and leading advisor, and founder and CEO of the Langley Group of Companies. Sue has taught thousands of business leaders how to create positive work-places. Sue Langley’s website: http://suelangley.com/ In this discussion, you will learn about creativity and innovation and how they benefit us as individuals, but also how organizations can foster creativity and innovation beyond just having “a culture of creativity.”You will hear Sue’s thoughts on how leaders and organizations can develop the right climate for creativity and innovation to flourish. Sue shares a lot of valuable information on her approach with leaders and organizations. You will learn the vocabulary she uses, and how she convinces organizations to be open to the science and research of positive psychology. Sue also shares a recent example of an organization that wasn’t ready for these practices. You’ll Learn: [1:43] - Having a culture of creativity in an organization isn’t enough to foster innovation and creativity. [2:31] - Sue describes two types of creativity and innovation. [3:25] - The benefits of creativity. [4:25] - Sue shares what research says about creativity. [6:26] - How leaders and organizations can develop the right climate for creativity to flourish. [10:29] - Sue talks about how she convinces leaders and organizations to be open to the science and research of positive psychology. [11:31] - How to implement these changes into an organization. [13:07] - The vocabulary used with organizations when introducing positive psychology and wellbeing. [13:43] - The relationship between positive psychology and profitability. [14:34] - When positive psychology practices aren’t the best fit for an organization. [15:59] - Sue talks about individuals and organizations with too much creativity. [17:30] - The lightning round with Sue Langley. Your Resources: Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the Upward Spiral That Will Change Your Life - Barbara Fredrickson - http://a.co/bnlkrv1 Primer in Positive Psychology - Christopher Peterson -http://a.co/2vFFu3Q Genetics of Psychological Well-Being: The Role of Heritability and Genes in Positive Psychology - Michael Pluess - http://a.co/gsEWpcv European Conference on Positive Psychology - http://enpp.eu Positive Psychology Program - http://positivepsychologyprogram.com 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 Sue for joining me this week. Until next time, take care! Until next time, take care!

Felicia Huppert is the founding director of the Well-Being Institute at Cambridge University and a leading researcher on the science of well-being and promotion of human flourishing. Felicia Huppert’s website: http://www.wellbeing.group.cam.ac.uk/who-we-are/founder/ In this interview, you will hear Felicia share her definition and understanding of “wellbeing”, which is “our ability to feel good and function well.”She also talks about what she considers to be the foundation of everything we do, mindfulness. It’s that combination of mindfulness and skills that allows us to navigate life effectively. Felicia developed the .b (Dot B) program for adolescents to stop and reflect. Studies show the effects on well-being exist three months later. Felicia also discusses the role of self-compassion in our well-being. People who are more self-compassionate are more motivated to change their behaviors in ways they want. Felicia shares her thoughts on the importance of mindfulness training within organizations and how to go through that process. You’ll Learn: ● [1:32] - Felicia describes her interpretation of “well-being”. ● [2:32] - The 10 features of well-being or flourishing. ● [3:41] - Felicia talks flourishing in life “most of the time”. ● [4:22] - The foundation of everything we do is mindfulness. ● [5:35] -Felicia developed the .b (Dot B) program for adolescents. ● [8:43] - The role of self-compassion in our well-being. ● [11:05] - Controlling emotions is one of the most powerful effects of mindfulness training. ● [12:07] - Mindfulness training within organizations. ● [14:41] - Felicia talks about the importance of shifting the population curve and making the whole population more resilient. ● [17:03] - The Lightning Round with Felicia Huppert Your Resources: 10 Keys to Happier Living (Vanessa King) - https://amzn.com/1472233425The Health Gap (Michael Marmot) - https://amzn.com/1632860783European Conference on Positive Psychology - http://enpp.euPositive Psychology Program - http://positivepsychologyprogram.com 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 Felicia for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Join Michelle in a talk with Positive Psychologist Louis Alloro about the Certificate in Positive Psychology program. Louis discusses Perma-V model, pacing of the program, and practical application. He addresses challenges in implementing positive psychology in organizations, trends in stress and burnout among practitioners, and the importance of prioritizing personal well-being. Discover how to foster a positive workplace environment through gratitude and collaboration.

Maureen McKenna, partner at Innovation Works, discusses creating a healthy organizational climate by focusing on return on energy, self-aware leadership, and appreciative micro moments. She emphasizes the importance of challenging thought processes, fostering diverse perspectives, and incorporating elements like appreciation and actionable steps in workplace conversations.

Ilona Boniwell is the program leader for the first Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology in Europe at Angila Ruskin University. She is also the CEO of Positran. In this interview, you will hear Ilona share her insights on making Positive Psychology real and tangible, and practical for people to integrate into their lives. She also talks about the role of Positive Psychology in the workplace, including how it can be integrated through play, the current state of these practices in Europe, and the terminology she avoids when proposing these changes to organizations. Ilona Boniwell’s website: https://lifelabs.psychologies.co.uk/users/579-dr-ilona-boniwell You’ll Learn: ● [2:00] - Ilona talks about her goal of making Positive Psychology “real and tangible.” ● [3:17] - Making strengths real by taking them from a questionnaire and knowing what to do with them. ● [4:52] - Ilona describes The Happiness Dashboard. ● [7:35] - Ilona talks about using the available tools to build our skills and maintain changes. ● [9:04] - The importance of play and it’s role in corporate workplaces. ● [10:55] - Ilona talks about how organizations in Europe are embracing Positive Psychology practices. ● [12:20] - Ilona talks about how she frames this discussion to get organizations on board with these practices. ● [13:40] - Is there a time when positive psychology is not the right solution? ● [15:28] - The Lightning Round with Ilona Boniwell! Your Resources: “Positive Psychology in a Nutshell: The Science of Happiness” - Ilona Boniwell  “Oxford Handbook of Happiness” “Building a Better Business Using the Lego Serious Play Method” - Per Kristiansen, Robert Rasmussen “Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul” - Stuart Brown, Christopher Vaughn The European Conference on Positive Psychology The Positive Psychology Program 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 Ilona for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Gretchen Spreitzer from the University of Michigan discusses sustainable performance at work, emphasizing the importance of promoting thriving. She shares four levers for organizations to achieve this and offers practical tips for individuals to thrive. Topics include co-working spaces, resilience, and personal growth strategies.

Emiliya Zhivotovskaya is the founder of The Flourishing Center of Benefit Corporation.  She is the creator of the Certification in Applied Positive Psychology. Emiliya talks about the connection of mind and body, specifically in regards to vitality. Our bodies affect our thoughts and vice versa. So how do we bring that vitality into our lives?  It’s not through major interventions, but rather through daily life hacks.  Emiliya shares a few that you can implement into your life.  You will learn about the importance of our digestive system in this conversation.  Emiliya talks about how our gut is our “second brain.”  She describes its effect on our our mind body health and lists ways for us to keep the second brain healthy.  This is a conversation with a lot of practical and easily implemented tips and exercises.  Emiliya Zhivotovskaya’s website You’ll Learn: [2:06] - Emiliya shares her model of vitality. [6:28] - Why do many researchers teach the mind and body are separate components? [7:10] - Emiliya talks about why we move our bodies.  It’s not to meet an exercise goal, but our cells have inherent wisdom to move. [8:28] - The enteric nervous system tells us our gut is “the second brain.” [10:45] - Daily hacks are a way to bring vitality into our lives. [14:02] - Emiliya talks about the importance of probiotics and prebiotics in our diets. [15:29] - In modern times, we don’t squat enough.  Squatting also helps with healthy bowel movements. [17:33] - Sleep is the foundation of all vitality. [19:35] - The lightning round with Emiliya Zhivotovskaya Your Resources: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari - https://amzn.com/0062316095 Certificate in Positive Psychology - http://getcertifiedinpospsych.com The Canadian Positive Psychology Association - http://cppa.ca 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 Emiliya for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Wayne Baker is a professor of management at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Wayne is also the first director of the Center for Positive Organizations.Wayne talks about the idea of a giving culture at work. People are inherently generous and often, the biggest barrier is getting people to ask for what they need. Wayne talks about the ROI that a giving culture brings to organizations. He also talks about who is likely to reciprocate and what their motivations might be. I enjoyed this conversation with Wayne Baker and I’m certain you will too! Wayne Baker’s website You’ll Learn: ● [1:41] - Wayne shares some takeaways from his presentation at The Positive Business Conference on creating a giving culture. ● [2:30] - Wayne talks about the reciprocity ring.● [3:21] - What steps need to be taken after an individual makes a request? ● [4:08] - The biggest barrier is getting people to ask for what they need. ● [5:07] - Wayne talks about why so many organizations struggle to create a giving culture. ● [6:35] - This process taps into the fundamental human principle of reciprocity. ● [7:12] - Takers give almost as frequently as givers give. ● [8:03] - The business benefits of the reciprocity ring. ● [10:19] - You can use technology to help you with the reciprocity ring. ● [11:19] - Early adopters become evangelists for the reciprocity ring. ● [12:37] - Setting boundaries in reciprocity and denying the power in reciprocity by not asking. ● [16:15] - Asking without expectations of receiving. ● [17:08] - The Lightning Round with Wayne Baker Your Resources: Learn more about the reciprocity ring at http://www.humaxnetworks.com/default.asp The Reflected Best Self The Power of Visioning Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success - Adam M. Grant Seveneves - Neal Stephenson A Book of Uncommon Prayer: 100 Celebrations of the Miracle & Muddle of the Ordinary - Brian Doyle The Positive Business Conference 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 Wayne for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Jessica Amortegui is a leading expert in positive psychology and positive organizational scholarship in organizations. Jessica is the Senior Director of Learning and Development at Logitech, where she has developed a two-day workshop on positive psychology practices for her team members. Jessica shares how she organized this workshop, including her strategy to gain management support and team buy-in. Jessica also talks with us about job crafting and the idea of “the perfect job vs. the best job for us.” I think you will really enjoy this conversation with Jessica Amortegui. This interview was produced in partnership with the Center for Positive Organization’s Positive Business Project. Jessica's website: http://www.jessicaamortegui.com You’ll Learn: ● [2:15] - Jessica talks about need for meaningful experience in order to open people’s hearts and minds to new ways of leading. ● [4:05] - How Jessica got Logitech leadership and the team to buy into a two-day workshop course on leading through positive psychology.● [5:50] - Jessica shares what she taught the workshop attendees to get them so enthusiastic about these new philosophies. ● [8:21] - Jessica talks about balancing the science and the experience in teaching these practices to team members.● [10:00] - The perfect job vs. the best job for us. ● [12:18] - Jessica talks about job crafting at Logitech.● [13:49] - Job crafting through mastery, meaning, and membership. ● [15:49] - When might job crafting might not be ideal?● [17:51] - Management support and involvement is vital to creating system-wide change. ● [18:28] - The lightning round with Jessica Amortegui Your Resources: ● VIA Strengths Finder Survey - http://www.viacharacter.org/www/Character-Strengths-Survey ● Shawn Achor Ted Talk - “The happy secret to better work” ● Simon Sinek Ted Talk - https://www.ted.com/speakers/simon_sinek ● “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It” - Chris Voss & Tahl Raz ● Center for Positive Organization’s Positive Business Project - http://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/ 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 Ryan for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!