Making Positive Psychology Work

Michelle McQuaid

If you believe as we do that by uncovering tested, practical ways to help people move from functioning to flourishing at work, we can better navigate the incredible challenges and opportunities our world faces, then this podcast is for you. Our goal each week is to give you access to the world’ leading positive psychology, positive organizational scholarship and neuroscience researchers and practitioners to explore their latest research findings on how you can improve wellbeing, develop strengths, nurture positive relationships, make work meaningful and cultivate the grit to accomplish what matters most. If you want evidence-based approaches to bringing out the best in yourself and others at work, then consider this podcast your step-by-step guide.

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Top 10 Making Positive Psychology Work Episodes

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Are You Too Positive? with James Pawelski

Making Positive Psychology Work

10/06/16 • 26 min

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...

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Are Your Thoughts Holding You Back? with Dr. Judith Beck

Making Positive Psychology Work

07/10/20 • 27 min

Today we’re talking to Dr. Judith Beck, who is a clinical professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the president of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Judith is a prolific author, clinician, and educator in the field of mental health, and has written several books for professionals and for consumers about cognitive behavior therapy, made hundreds of presentations around the world, and continues to treat clients through Beck Institute’s in-house clinic, and has won numeral awards for her contributions to the field of CBT.

In this week’s podcast, we explore how cognitive behavior therapy can be safely used in workplaces to help leaders and staff care for their wellbeing.

Connect with Judith Beck:

https://beckinstitute.org/

You’ll Learn:

[02:13] - Judith explains what cognitive behavior therapy is and provides an example of how it can support our wellbeing.
[06:20] - Judith shares some of the research findings on the benefits of cognitive behavior therapy when it comes to caring for our wellbeing.
[09:08] - Judith explains how cognitive behavior therapy has changed over the last decade to tap into research on motivation, purpose, and resilience.
[13:38] - Judith offers some examples of how cognitive behavior therapy can be safely used in workplaces – particularly in the midst of COVID-19.
[18:04] - Judith provides three tips on how we can use cognitive behavior therapy to care for our own wellbeing at work.
[23:05] - Judith enters for the lightning round.

Your 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.

Please leave an honest review of 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, Judith!

Do Workplaces Need Wellbeing Coaches? with Dr. Suzy Green

Making Positive Psychology Work

06/05/20 • 26 min

Dr. Suzy Green is a Clinical and Coaching Psychologist – and Founder & CEO of The Positivity Institute, a positively deviant organization dedicated to the research and application of Positive Psychology for life, school, and work. She is a leader in the complementary fields of Coaching Psychology and Positive Psychology, was the recipient of an International Positive Psychology Fellowship Award, has lectured on Applied Positive Psychology as a Senior Adjunct Lecturer in the Coaching Psychology Unit, at the University of Sydney for ten years, and is an Honorary Vice President of the International Society for Coaching Psychology. On top of all of that, Suzy has just released her brand new book called – The Positivity Prescription.

In this week’s podcast, we explore what ‘wellbeing coaching’ is and how we can make this more accessible in workplaces.

Connect with Suzy Green:

http://www.thepositivityinstitute.com.au/

You’ll Learn:

[02:42] - Suzy shares what wellbeing coaching is and how it differs from other types of coaching.
[04:39] - Suzy paints a picture of what a wellbeing coaching experience might be like.
[06:33] - Suzy explains what makes coaching particularly effective when it comes to improving people’s wellbeing.
[08:50] - Suzy highlights what might be holding back workplaces from engaging wellbeing coaching.
[11:10] - Suzy how we might make coaching more accessible to workplaces.
[13:19] - Suzy discusses the questions and cautions we should be considering when it comes to offering group coaching.
[16:05] - Suzy shares the three Ms for building positivity.
[18:04] - Suzy shares practical ways to enhance our mindfulness, mindset, and mood.
[21:12] - Suzy enters the lightning round.

Your 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.

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, Suzy!

Do You Receive Feedback Well? with Sheila Heen

Making Positive Psychology Work

06/26/20 • 30 min

Sheila Heen is an expert on managing difficult negotiations, a lecturer on law at Harvard Law School, and a founder of Triad Consulting. Sheila often partners with executive teams, helping them work through conflict, repair working relationships, and make sound decisions together and her clients include Apple, HSBC, Unilever, and Pixar among others. She is the co-author of the New York Times business bestseller Difficult Conversations: How To Discuss What Matters Most and more recently Thanks For The Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (Even When It’s Off-Base, Unfair, Poorly Delivered and Frankly, You’re Not in the Mood).

In this week’s podcast, we explore why receiving feedback can be so challenging at work, and how we can unhook from our feedback triggers to make the most of the gift we are being given.

Connect with Sheila Heen:

https://stoneandheen.com/

You’ll Learn:

[02:45] - Sheila explains why learning to receive feedback is a skill that we should all be building.
[05:29] - Sheila outlines the research findings on how being able to receive feedback impacts people’s performance and wellbeing at work.
[07:37] - Sheila shares the three different triggers that can make hearing feedback difficult to hear.
[11:26] - Sheila explains the three different types of feedback people are given at work and why it helps to be clear about the purpose of the feedback we’re giving and receiving.
[16:07] - Sheila offers tips for us to be present and really hear and make the most of the feedback we’re given.
[20:04] - Sheila explores how growth mindsets can help us lean into giving and receiving feedback better.
[24:09] - Sheila explains why the ability of leaders to receive feedback well helps to improve psychological safety in teams.
[26:33] - Sheila enters for the lightning round.

Your Resources:

MPPW Podcast on Facebook Group

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.

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, Sheila!

Can You Practice Polarity Thinking? with Cliff Kayser

Making Positive Psychology Work

06/19/20 • 26 min

Cliff Kayser is a consultant who brings 25 years of experience with senior-level OD internal positions with the Washington Post and the National Cooperative Bank, as well as his external consultancies and coaching practice with experienced and successful partners, polarity partnerships and the Institute for the Polarities of Democracy. Cliff is on faculty at American university’s master’s in OD, and a coaching fellow for George Mason University Center for the Advancement of well-being, which is where he and I met.

In this week’s episode, we explore how to balance “either/or” thinking with the need for “and” so we honor competing polarities when it comes to the way we work together.

Connect with Cliff Kayser:

https://www.experienceit.com/

You’ll Learn:

[01:40] - Cliff explains what polarity thinking is and why it matters in workplaces.
[02:26] - Cliff offers some examples of the common polarities workplaces have been grappling with over the last 12 months.
[03:38] - Cliff explains how teams and workplaces can navigate the polarities of “me and we” and “us and them”.
[06:07] - Cliff provides an example of how a healthcare company has navigated the polarities of centralized and decentralized resources.
[10:05] - Cliff shares a case study on polarities of how Charleston Police Department navigate the tension of law enforcement and community engagement.
[15:47] - Cliff explains why polarity thinking is common sense but not common practice.
[18:32] - Cliff shares where OR thinking can be useful.
[22:48] - Louis asks cliff if he’s ready for the lightning round.

Your 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.

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, Cliff!

Do You Practice Racial Empathy? with Valorie Burton

Making Positive Psychology Work

06/12/20 • 34 min

Valorie Burton is the founder and CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute and a best-selling author, international speaker, and life strategist. Valorie has a master’s in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and her company provides coaching, coach training, and resilience training and has served clients in all 50 American states and 15 countries on six continents. Since 1999, she has written 13 books on personal development, including the best sellers Successful Women Think Differently and What’s Really Holding You Back? And she’s been featured in media outlets around the world.

In this week’s episode, we explore how to practice racial empathy in workplaces and the simple steps workers can take to be respectful and effective white allies.

Connect with Valorie Burton:

https://valorieburton.com/

You’ll Learn:

[03:13] - Valorie explains how the murder of George Floyd caused her to speak out on the need for racial empathy.
[07:28] - Valorie shares why in order to become unstuck on the issue of racism in workplaces we need to start telling the truth.
[11:29] - Valorie helps us understand why it often difficult for people of color to talk about what’s happening and the impact that racism has on them at work.
[15:07] - Valorie offers suggestions for how white allies can help better support people of color in their workplace.
[21:39] - Valorie provides some tips for how people of color – if they wish – can encourage white allies to take action.
[25:16] - Valorie explains people of color often don’t need help from white allies but do need them to listen.
[29:46] - Valorie enters the lightning round.

Your 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.

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, Valorie!

Are Your Leaders Islands of Sanity? with Meg Wheatley

Making Positive Psychology Work

07/04/20 • 40 min

Today we’re talking to Margaret Wheatley, Co-founder and President of The Berkana Institute, an organizational consultant since 1973, a global citizen since her youth and a prolific writer. Meg began caring about the world’s peoples in 1966 as a Peace Corps volunteer in postwar Korea. She received her doctorate in organizational behavior from Harvard University in 1979 just as the field of OD was forming and has been honored for her groundbreaking work by many professional associations, universities, and organizations. She has authored nine books, including the classic leadership and the new science and of my personal favorite, Who Do We Choose To Be? For the past five years, Meg has been training leaders and activists from 35 countries as Warriors for the Human Spirit, an in-depth training program and path of service supported by a robust global community. Her most recent work is a CD, The Warrior Songline, A Journey into Warriorship Guided by Voice and Sound.

In this week’s episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities for leaders in the world right now when their ability to control uncertainty has never been more challenging. Meg helps us understand how leaders can adjust their approaches to have a more positive impact on their people and their workplaces.

Connect with Meg Wheatley:

http://www.margaretwheatley.com/

You’ll Learn:

[02:55] - Meg describes what the challenges and opportunities are for leaders in the world right now.
[05:12] - Meg explains why traditional models and thinking about leadership are no longer relevant.
[07:25] - Meg describes how leaders need to be warriors of the human spirit
[13:30] - Meg explores why leaders who show care, compassion and appreciation bring out the best in themselves and others
[19:06] - Meg describes the ‘enlightened leadership’ that is needed in the world right now
[21:59] - Meg outlines three elements to ‘enlightened leadership’
[27:25] - Meg describes the importance of context for ‘enlightened leadership’
[28:41] - Meg explains how leaders can consciously choose to be warriors of the human spirit
[30:58] - Meg relieves us of the burden of being ‘change-makers’ for other leaders
[33:55] - Meg introduces us to Islands of Sanity
[37:20] - Meg enters for the lightning round.

Your 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.

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, Meg!

Is Your Change Approach SMART & Have HEART? with Al Comeaux

Making Positive Psychology Work

05/29/20 • 29 min

Al Comeaux is a former executive at Travelocity, GE, American airlines. As a senior leader, Al has championed change across a range of workplaces and undertaken a 20-year journey researching why so many change efforts fail and what's needed for success. Al is the founder of Primed For Change, a disruptive project to prepare leaders to take organizations successfully through change, and this week he has released a new book called Change Management.

In this episode, we explore how senior leaders think about change in workplaces and how they can balance being SMART with taking an approach that wins people’s HEARTS.

Connect with Al Comeaux:

https://alcomeaux.com/

You’ll Learn:

[02:58] - Al explains what most often takes leaders by surprise when it comes to trying to successfully create change in workplaces.
[06:23] - Al helps us explore if leaders should be more focused on understanding the problems or the opportunities for change in their organization.
[07:44] - Al offers tips for helping leaders to consistently explain the opportunity for change across their workplace, whilst allowing teams to make the change personally meaningful.
[09:43] - Al offers guidance on when leaders should try a top-down versus open source approach to leading change.
[14:52] - Al provides examples of how leaders can be SMART and have HEART when it comes to leading change.
[18:24] - Al offers examples leaders model the change consistently.
[22:31] - Al offers some tips for turning around the change cynics.

Your 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.

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, Al!

Can You Create a Workplace With More Love & Connection? with Mandy O'Neill

Making Positive Psychology Work

05/22/20 • 31 min

Mandy O'Neill, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Management at the George Mason University School of Business and a Senior Scientist at the University Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing. Mandy holds a doctorate in Organizational Behavior from Stanford University Graduate School of Business where she was a National Science Foundation graduate fellow and is an expert on organizational culture, immersions in the workplace, and women's careers.

Mandy consults and conducts academic research across a wide range of organizations, including Fortune 500 corporations, global technology firms, major medical centers, and emergency response teams. Her work has been published in a variety of scholarly and practitioner journals, including Administrative Science Quarterly, Academy of Management Journal, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and the Harvard Business Review.

In this episode, we look at the headlines of the Wellbeing Lab research from the US and the importance of a culture of companionate love in workplaces.

Connect with Mandy O'Neill:

https://mason.gmu.edu/~ooneill/#/

You’ll Learn:

[03:50] - Mandy shares an overview of the most recent Wellbeing Lab research results from the US.
[11:23] - Mandy explains what companionate love is and the impact it has on workplaces.
[14:28] - Mandy explains the difference between cognitive and emotional culture.
[17:28] - Mandy shares the impact that leaders demonstrating companionate love has in workplaces.
[21:22] - Mandy suggests ways leaders can build a culture of companionate love.
[26:08] - Mandy enters the lightning round.

Your 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.

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, Mandy!

What is the Art of Coaching? with Christian Van Nieuwerburgh

Making Positive Psychology Work

07/16/20 • 32 min

Today we’re talking to professor Christian Van Nieuwerburgh. Christian is a leading academic and practitioner in the field of coaching in education. He’s a professor of coaching and positive psychology at the University of East London and executive director of Growth Coaching International, a Sydney based global coaching provider for the education sector.

In this week’s podcast, we explore the skills and art that enable us to be effective coaches.

Connect with Christian Van Nieuwerburgh:

https://www.growthcoaching.com.au/

You’ll Learn:

[02:55] - Christian explains what makes coaching so effective for development and growing wellbeing.
[05:12] - Christian shares the top two skills coaches should develop.
[07:25] - Christian shares the ‘art’ of coaching and how we can lean into this opportunity to make our coaching more effective.
[13:30] - Christian highlights what coaches should be considered when supporting people faced with uncertainty and disruption.
[37:20] - Christian enters the lightning round.

Your 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.

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, Christian!

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