Using Positive Psychology to Ignite Performance
by Peter McLaughlin

Recently, I visited the University of Pennsylvania to spend some time with Dr. Martin Seligman. Seligman is a Professor of Psychology at Penn, and former president of the American Psychological Association. A prolific researcher and writer, he is the author of Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism, as well as sixteen other books.

Seligman is the leading psychologist in a new movement called Positive Psychology. What’s it all about? The vast majority of psychological research has focused on pathology and mental illness – how to take someone who is depressed or anxious or schizophrenic and help them function better. This is a noble endeavor. The profession has achieved significant accomplishments over the last century and will continue its progress.

This focus on illness, however, has meant that there has not been as much thoughtful, distinguished researched on the positive aspects of work and life. In other words, few studies are dedicated to questions such as: how can a relatively healthy person live a more productive and satisfying life? Why do some people, when faced with a crisis like the sudden news of critical illness, overcome fear and grow stronger?

Or in business context: What causes some salespeople to meet countless rejections but maintain the creativity and persistence to land a major deal? How can an average engineer or executive begin to perform in the upper reaches of his or her ability? How can you go from good to great? These are the questions that Positive Psychology addresses.

Positive Psychology is not totally new, of course. A handful of experts – and many cultural traditions – have for years directed their attention to developing strength, virtue, and exceptional performance. I’ve addressed these themes in my own books and programs.

But what is new about Positive Psychology is the scope of the initiative and the breadth of rigorous research taking place. Hundreds of experts from prestigious institutions are pursuing studies in three major areas: positive emotion, positive traits, and positive institutions. The funding and popular support for the movement is extensive, and gaining momentum every day.

Lest you think I’ve been drinking too much of the positive kool aid, using Positive Psychology at work does not mean managing by group hugs and pep rallies. Nor does it overlook the necessity of tough decisions, difficult conversations, and hard work in running a successful business. But Positive Psychology research does present intriguing new ideas and practical strategies in topic areas such as the following:

• Understanding the benefits that positive emotion exerts on your cognitive ability, productivity, and relationships.
• Identifying your talents and strengths, and re-crafting your work to use your strengths as much as possible.
• Building skills to boost optimism, resilience, and persistence.
• Putting yourself into a mental state that fosters optimal focus and creativity.
• Building strong, productive relationships within teams and organizations.
• Enhancing interpersonal skills such as empathy, humor, and effective communication.
• The Meaning of Life – How to incorporate high productivity at work with a full, meaningful life.

The discoveries have enriched all our programs and services at McLaughlin Company, including our courses on peak performance, communications, selling, and leadership development.

Our meeting with Seligman was enjoyable and fruitful, and we’re planning to collaborate with him and his team on future research and publications…stay tuned for updates.

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