Making Positive Psychology Work

Dr. Adam Fraser, a renowned human performance researcher and author, dives into the transformative power of struggle for growth and learning. He stresses the importance of embracing negative emotions as stepping stones towards personal fulfillment. Adam shares practical strategies to become comfortable with discomfort and how to cultivate a high-performance culture in organizations. By highlighting the value of shared experiences and self-compassion, he encourages listeners to view struggles as essential opportunities for development and connection.

In this discussion, Dr. Peggy Kern, an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, dives into the pressing issue of worker well-being amid crises like COVID-19. She shares her latest research on how workplaces can effectively support employees facing anxiety and economic downturns. Notably, she explores why some individuals thrive despite their struggles and offers practical strategies for fostering resilience. Peggy emphasizes the importance of compassion, psychological safety, and open conversations about challenges to enhance workplace satisfaction.

Join Dr. Michelle McQuaid and Dr. Paige Williams, co-founders of The Leaders Lab, as they delve into the fascinating concept of antifragility in leadership. Paige, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, discusses how leaders can thrive amidst chaos, emphasizing the shift towards a coaching leadership style. They explore practical strategies for managing anxiety, making better decisions, and fostering resilient teams. The duo also highlights the importance of long-term vision and celebrating team successes for boosting morale and cultivating a thriving workplace.

Paul Atkins, a trainer and researcher known for his work on the ProSocial process, discusses enhancing collaboration in this engaging conversation. He explains the challenges of workplace collaboration and the importance of understanding personal differences. Listeners learn about the eight core design principles that foster trust and cooperation. Paul shares real-world applications of these principles and offers practical questions to promote pro-social interactions. He also provides tips for dysfunctional teams to improve teamwork and communication.

In this discussion, Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a leading expert in positive change and workplace wellbeing, reveals the 5 MAGIC factors essential for fostering positive change in organizations. She emphasizes the significance of generative conversations and shares insights into overcoming challenges in the workplace. Michelle also discusses how her global team applies these principles to enhance collaboration. Plus, she offers practical tips for those feeling powerless in the face of change.

Stewart Friedman, an organizational psychologist at Wharton and founder of its Leadership Program, shares insights on achieving work-life integration. He discusses practical steps for creating 'four-way wins' across career, family, community, and self, enhancing overall well-being and performance. Friedman emphasizes the role of peer coaching in boosting confidence and motivation at work. He also offers tips for advocating for workplace support and highlights the importance of leading effectively in family settings to positively impact professional life.

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.