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About Positive Psychology



The science of positive psychology covers diverse topics such as happiness, optimism, strengths, creativity, flow, wellbeing and personal growth. The focus is on what is already right and going well for us, whilst still recognising negative emotions and challenges as natural and important aspects of our lives.


And it’s not just to support our individual wellbeing, but when we for example show acts of kindness and enhance our social connections, there are also benefits for group and communities, such as workplaces, as well.


Positive Psychology Coaching


Applying positive psychology can support us to thrive in all aspects of our lives. That’s why it goes so perfectly with coaching.


Anyone can flourish. However sometimes some extra effort and the right support is needed to get there.


Positive Psychology Coaching is science-based and includes different strategies or interventions that are implemented to support the clients’ personal and professional goals, as well as their wellbeing – which can be defined as the ability to feel good and function effectively.


Leadership, career and wellbeing-related outcomes


Here are some examples of clients’ results, which are in-line with many studies:

  • Better management of emotions

  • Increased confidence and sense of psychological safety

  • Teams with increased work engagement and improved performance

  • Definition of meaning and purpose

  • Increased moments of flow

  • Strengthening of authenticity by better understanding own biases and preferences and increased focus on of strengths and values

  • Improved relationships

  • An increased sense of autonomy

  • Definition of goals and striving to achieve or exceed them

  • Improvements to mental health

  • Increased strategic approach through delegation and shift of perspective

  • Development of strengths use, leading to increased energy

  • Increased resilience through optimism and mindfulness

  • More comfortable to seek other views and perspectives in decision-making

  • Clarifying own personal brand

  • Increased confidence in interviews and networking

  • Securing a promotion

  • Are simply happier at work


Improved employee wellbeing = Better organisational performance


Research shows that when employees’ wellbeing is optimal, this can lead to improved company performance. Tangibly, this is achieved by reduced turnover, less sick days, increased productivity, and staff are simply motivated to give more.


I use the PERMAH positive psychology wellbeing framework with my clients (adapted from Martin Seligman, 2011). It consists of individually measurable components: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, accomplishment and health (PERMAH); and its goal is to increase flourishing, by strengthening each of these elements in a holistic manner.


Below are some work-related outcomes that have been demonstrated through various studies.


Positive emotions

  • Development of personal resources including resilience

  • Dealing better with stress and challenges

  • Starting a contagion effect of positivity


Engagement

  • Increased job enjoyment


Relationships

  • Better relationships throughout the organisation

  • Improved coping and reduced conflict

  • Better problem solving and job performance

  • Improved morale and increased enjoyment


Meaning

  • Increased happiness and engagement

  • Improved performance


Accomplishment

  • Reduced turnover


Health

  • Reduced stress and depression symptoms

  • Increases in positive emotions, feelings of achievement and engagement

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