Making Positive Psychology Work

Dr. Meg Warren, Assistant Professor of Management at Western Washington University, discusses the latest research on allyship in workplaces and why diversity policies often fail. Topics include: advice for stepping into allyship conversations, defining privileged and marginalized groups, understanding allyship, the negative consequences of top-down diversity policies, and the importance of interpersonal support and visible advocacy in building allyship.

Dr. Michael Maddaus, a retired professor of thoracic surgery, teaches self-compassion and shares tips on building a resilience bank account to avoid burnout. Topics discussed include radical acceptance of burnout, ways workplaces can support burned-out individuals, and practical strategies to nurture resilience. The podcast also delves into the two reward systems in the brain, the power of human connection, and the significance of gratitude and valuing individuals in the workplace.

Peter Senge, an expert in organizational learning and author of The Fifth Discipline, discusses creating cultures of learning and navigating workplace uncertainty. Topics include new measures of success for change efforts, misunderstood complexity of change, creating healthy leadership communities, prioritizing well-being, and recognizing collective trauma.

Today we’re talking to Vikki Reynolds, who’s an activist and therapist who works to bridge the worlds of social justice with community work and therapy. An adjunct professor, she’s written and presented internationally on her work, responding to the opioid catastrophe, refugees and survivors of torture, and supporting violence, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and shelter counselors in gender and sexually diverse communities. In this week’s episode, we explore how to find our zone of fabulousness and the power of collective accountability in the face of work experiences that can lead to “burnout”. Connect with Vikki Reynolds https://vikkireynolds.ca/ You’ll Learn: [01:47] - Vikki explains why our approaches to vicarious trauma and burnout in workplaces need re-thinking. [03:33] - Vikki shares how we can each find our Zone of Fabulousness when it comes to helping others at work. [04:45] - Vikki explains why the goal of ‘safe enough’ rather than psychological safety may serve us better when it comes to sustaining connection with each other. [08:26] - Vikki offers some tips to help us resist the politics of politeness and instead embrace the potential value of discord. [10:45] - Vikki explains the power of collective accountability to enact our ethics. [23:40] - Vikki enters the lightning round. Thanks for listening! MPPW Podcast on Facebook 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 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 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, Vikki!

Michael Platt, a professor specializing in economics, psychology, and neuroscience, discusses the relevance of neuroscience in leadership and workplaces. He explores the brain's craving for certainty, creating effective teams, maintaining social networks while working remotely, and the impact of our brain's processing capacity. He also shares insights on effective communication, accountability, and the brain's response to different leadership styles.

Jessica Amortegui, Senior Director of Learning & Development at LinkedIn, discusses how workplaces can create safe training grounds for personal growth. They explore the impact of perfectionism on work and how LinkedIn helps its leaders pivot during uncertainty. The podcast also highlights LinkedIn's new leadership program focused on embracing vulnerability and the importance of turning learnings into consistent actions.

Join Professor Edgar Schein, a renowned expert on organizational culture, and his son Peter Schein, a veteran in marketing and corporate development. They delve into the transformative power of humble leadership and humble inquiry in shaping workplace culture. Ed clarifies how culture forms through shared experiences, while Peter discusses barriers to inquiry. Practical tips for fostering humility in leadership highlight adaptability in a complex environment. Their insights encourage genuine connections and effective communication, emphasizing the importance of recognizing humanity in others.

In this engaging discussion, Margaret Heffernan, a seasoned entrepreneur and author, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of the workplace. She highlights the limitations of long-term planning, suggesting we can only foresee about 150 days ahead. Diving into the distinctions between complicated and complex systems, she emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability. Margaret advocates for an artistic mindset in leadership to foster creativity and resilience, which ultimately enhances employee well-being amid uncertainty.

In this conversation, Tim Lomas, a Senior Lecturer in Positive Psychology at the University of East London and a noted author, discusses the intriguing evolution of positive psychology. He outlines the 'third wave' concept, emphasizing the integration of negative emotions and the importance of context in well-being. Tim sheds light on how leaders can support their teams through complexities, and he reveals how language plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and collaboration in diverse settings. This insightful dialogue blends wellbeing with practical strategies.

Jackie Stavros, a Professor at Lawrence Technological University and creator of the SOAR approach, discusses how to navigate uncertainty by discovering individual and collective purpose. She emphasizes the power of purpose during chaotic times and introduces appreciative inquiry as a tool for transformation. Listeners learn about four key questions to help surface their why and what, and how teams can align individual goals with organizational purpose. Jackie also shares practical exercises to maintain balance and prevent burnout while pursuing meaningful work.