Making Positive Psychology Work

Dr. Michelle McQuaid and Dr. Paige Williams are the co-founders of The Leaders Lab, which helps leaders to thrive and create thriving workplaces. They use evidence-based approaches that draw on the latest research in neuroscience, positive psychology, leadership, and systems thinking to help leaders and workplaces move beyond just the need for resilience, to become antifragile.

In this week's podcast, we explore the practical steps leaders can take to be more neurologically robust and antifragile, so they can help themselves and their teams thrive during this time of unprecedented disruption and change.

Connect with Dr. Michelle McQuaid & Dr. Paige Williams:

• https://www.leaderslab.com/

• [02:50] - Michelle shares hot-off-the-research-desk data about the impact coronavirus and the economic downturn is having for leaders and their teams.
• [06:06] - Michelle and Paige explore how leaders can be antifragile and thrive even during this time of great unpredictably and disruption.
• [10:48] - Michelle and Paige explore why leaders need a coaching style of leadership to support themselves and others amidst the challenges they are facing right now.
• [13:23] - Michelle and Paige explain how leaders can recruit their brains to manage the anxiety and fear that they and their teams may be feeling at the moment.
• [14:19] - Michelle and Paige provide tips on how leaders and their teams can operate in reality without catastrophizing unnecessarily.
• [18:28] - Michelle and Paige explore how leaders can break the negative and build the positive for their teams in these uncertain times.
• [21:36] - Michelle and Paige explain how leaders and their teams can use intelligent risk to quickly learn and grow in the face of the unprecedented changes they are experiencing.
• [25:35] - Michelle and Paige offer tips on how to seek collective wisdom across a team even when more and more people are having to work virtually.
• [30:03] - Michelle and Paige explore how leaders can tackle the infinite game so on the other side of coronavirus and economic downturns they and their teams are able to maximize what they've learned during this challenging period.
• [34:49] - Michelle enters the lightning round

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook Group
• https://permahsurvey.com/

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, Michelle!

In this week's podcast, we explore how pro-social principles and tools can help groups collaborate more effectively together by creating safe spaces, to be honest about what they want, what they fear, and how this shapes the way they choose to work together.

Connect with Paul Atkins:

• https://prosocialinstitute.org/

• [02:32] - Paul explains why collaborating with each other is often challenging at work.
• [04:18] - Paul shares why we often struggle to appreciate the differences in each other.
• [05:40] - Paul outlines the prosocial process and how it might help us to collaborate better with each other.
• [07:48] - Paul outlines the eight-core design principles that guide the prosocial process.
• [16:58] - Paul shares an example of how the prosocial principals and tools can be applied in workplaces.
• [23:36] - Paul offers some simple questions we can use to help create more prosocial ways of working together.
• [27:45] - Paul offers some tips for dysfunctional teams to become more prosocial and collaborate better together.
• [30:26] - Paul enters the lightning round

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook
• Team Human Podcast
• A Liberated Mind by Steven Hayes PhD

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, Paul!

In this week's episode, Dr. Michelle McQuaid explains the 5 evidence-based MAGIC factors that make p positive change possible in workplaces, and how you can activate these in your own work or across your whole workplace.

Connect with Michelle Mcquaid:

• The Change Labs

• [02:37] - Michelle explains what positive change is and why it should be our goal in workplaces.
• [04:09] - Michelle outlines the 5 evidence-based MAGIC factors for creating positive change.
• [10:56] - Michelle shares how her virtual global team embeds the MAGIC factors to create positive changes together.
• [15:07] - Michelle shares why workplaces often struggle with generative conversations and self-organization.
• [21:18] - Michelle offers some tips for people who feel they have little control over how change unfolds in their workplace.
• [24:43] - Michelle enters the lightning round

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook
• MPPW #082 with Gervase Bush

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 Michelle!

Stewart Friedman is an organizational psychologist at Wharton and founder of Wharton's Leadership Program and it's work-life integration project. Listed among HR magazine's most influential international thinkers, Stewart has written two best sellers, Leading The Life You Want and Total Leadership. And his newest book, which is about to be released, is Parents Who Lead.

In this week's podcast, we explore the practical steps we can take to integrate our work and our life to create four-way wins across our career, our family, our community and ourselves (mind, body, spirit) and the impact this has on our wellbeing and performance at work.

Connect with Stewart Friedman:

• https://www.totalleadership.org/

• [02:18] - Stew explains how we can create four-way wins by integrating our careers, our family, our community, and our own needs to improve wellbeing and performance.
• [06:29] - Stew offers some practical tips to help us improve the integration of our career, our family, our community and ourselves.
• [14:33] - Stew outlines how peer coaching in workplaces can be used to help people become more confident and motivated to experiment with integration across their career, family, community, and self.
• [19:31] - Stew explains how we can lead better in our families and the impact this has on our work.
• [25:31] - Stew offers tips for asking workplace leaders for the support we need to create the win-win outcomes we need to better integrate our careers, our families, our community and ourselves.
• [28:15] - Stew completes the Lightning Round.

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook
• The No Asshole Rule by Robert L. Sutton PhD

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 Stew!

Peter Block is an author and citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the author of nine books including Community: The Structure of Belonging, The Abundant Community with John McKnight and coauthor of An Other Kingdom. His work is in the restoration of the common good and creating a world that reclaims our humanity from the onslaught of modernism.

In this week's episode, Peter Block explains why listening and connecting are the core leadership strategies needed in workplaces today, how to work with cynics, and what the key questions and conversations have been in his work as an organizational turned community development practitioner-scholar.

Connect with Peter Block:

• https://www.peterblock.com/

• [03:32] - Peter explains why listening is a core capacity needed in workplaces today and why being a role model or visionary leader is not necessary.
• [06:58] - Peter explains what conversations are necessary in shifting organizational narratives.
• [08:58] - Peter shares how he assesses whether an organization is ready to have a new more positive change conversation.
• [11:30] - Peter explains what helps him understand concepts like emergence and complex adaptive systems.
• [12:31] - Peter explains why it's important to live with uncertainty and side with the cynics.
• [15:01] - Peter shares why creating wellbeing and change is all about connection.
• [15:37] - Peter completes the Lightning Round.

• 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 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 Peter!

Dr. Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University. As a pioneer in the field of science help, her mission is to translate insights from psychology and neuroscience into practical strategies that support personal wellbeing and strengthen communities. Kelly is the author of several books, including the international bestseller, The Willpower Instinct, and The Upside of Stress and her newest book is The Joy of Movement.

In this week's episode, we explore the latest research on why movement – not just exercise – is so important for our wellbeing and the simple, joyful ways we can get moving more.

Connect with Kelly McGonigal:

• http://kellymcgonigal.com/

• [02:17] - Kelly shares the latest research findings on why movement is so important for our wellbeing.
• [05:23] - Kelly explains why we don't have to exercise in order to enjoy the wellbeing benefits that come from moving.
• [11:30] - Kelly shares some of the latest research on how high-intensity movement – like running – helps to fuel endocannabinoids which improve our ability for social connection.
• [15:49] - Kelly explains how long-term regular exercise helps to build hope molecules that help us recover from trauma or depression and improves our levels of resilience.
• [15:49] - Kelly helps us understand how calm synchronized movements, even when we're sitting down, can increase our pain tolerance and improve our sense of connection.
• [15:49] - Kelly offers some tips for how workplaces can help their workers to move more.
• [22:48] - Kelly completes the Lightning Round.

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook
• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

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 Kelly!

Dr. Michelle McQuaid is known for her research, books, and tools, which help people create positive changes and thrive more consistently in their workplaces. Michelle holds a Master in Positive Psychology, and a Ph.D. on how Appreciative Inquiry Summits create positive disruptions that enable systems to flourish, and is a co-founder of The Change Lab.

In this week's episode, we explore how leaders and workplaces can tackle complex challenges and create positive changes through the use of language, conversations, and self-organization.

Connect with Dr. Michelle McQuaid:

• https://www.thechangelab.com/

• [02:17] - Michelle shares her thoughts on the ability for the latest research in human flourishing to help create positive changes given all the challenges our world faces at the moment.
• [05:23] - Michelle shares some tips for workplaces to create more positive changes.
• [11:30] - Michelle outlines the simple actions leaders can take to make change a more positive experience.
• [15:49] - Michelle shares a simple learning loop exercise to help anyone create change in their workplace – regardless of their job title.
• [22:48] - Michelle completes the Lightning Round.

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook
• Who Do We Choose To Be by Meg Wheatly

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 Michelle!

Today we're talking to Tom Rath, an author and researcher who has spent the past two decades studying how work can improve human health and wellbeing. During his 13 years at Gallup, Tom was the programme leader for the development of Clifton StrengthsFinder, which has helped over 20 million people to uncover their talents, and went on to lead the organization's employee engagement, wellbeing, and leadership practices worldwide. For the past 5 years Tom has served as a Gallup senior scientists, and is also an advisor, investor, and partner in several startups. His ten books, including StrengthsFinder 2.0, Wellbeing, and Eat Move Sleep have sold more than 10 million copies. His newest book, Life's Great Question: Discover How You Contribute to the World, has just been released.

On today's episode, we're discussing how to ensure our work isn't doing more harm than good when it comes to our wellbeing, and the simple steps we can take to align our contributions to the things that are meaningful and energizing for people.

Connect with Tom Rath:

• https://www.tomrath.org/

• [03:33] - Tom shares the research that suggests that work is killing people when it should be making us healthier.
• [05:55] - Tom explains what we can learn from Tinder when it comes to matching the right people to the right work in an effort to improve our wellbeing.
• [07:55] - Tom offers some tips for what we can do as individuals to ensure our work is energizing and meaningful.
• [12:14] - Tom explains the difference between our passions and our contributions at work and how these impact our wellbeing.
• [14:28] - Tom helps us understand how to align our strengths to our contributions at work
• [16:18] - Tom shares his new tool for helping people to identify their contributions at work.
• [19:06] - Tom outlines the three contributions every team needs from its people to be successful.
• [21:21] - Tom explains how people's contributions can evolve over time and why personality is not as fixed as researchers have previously thought.
• [25:18] - Tom cautions us on avoiding overplaying our contributions at work and burning ourselves out.
• [27:45] - Tom explains how we can amplify our contributions by managing our time more effectively.
• [29:44] - Tom explains how leaders can recruit people around the contributions people most want to make.
• [31:56] - Tom completes the Lightning Round.

• MPPW Podcast on Facebook
• Range by David Epstein
• Ben Horowitx Speech on Contribution

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 Tom!

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of Psychology at the University of California - Riverside. Her research on the science of happiness has been the recipient of many honors. She is a best-selling author of the books The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want and The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn't, What Shouldn't Make You Happy, but Does.

In this conversation, you will hear Sonja share her thoughts and findings on happiness. Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interactions work. Sonja also talks about some of the myths of happiness, which is the topic of her latest book. She talks about the identification process to determine which interactions may work for individuals. She also talks about happiness in group dynamics, specifically the workplace. Sonja must present these interventions in various ways, depending on the environment and situation and she explains how she does that.

Connect with Sonja Lyubomirsky:

Website: http://sonjalyubomirsky.com/

• [01:57] - Sonja shares what she hopes attendees gain from her presentations on happiness. Sonja says that it is possible to become happier.
• [03:06] - Happiness is a broad term and Sonja describes how she defines the term.
• [04:07] - Sonja's talks about the short-term and long-term improvements people can make with happiness. She explains that short-term happiness is easier to achieve than long-term happiness.
• [05:10] - Sonja describes the benefits of people being happy in the workplace. She also explains why it's not a good thing to be "too happy" in the workplace.
• [06:46] - Sonja lists a few interventions that people can use in the workplace to become happier at work.
• [08:38]- Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interventions work. She talks about gratitude and the role that factors like culture and dosage play a role.
• [10:37] - In her book, The How of Happiness, Sonja provides a survey to help determine which interventions might work for individuals. She talks about this identification process.
• [13:04] - Sonja shares some of the myths of happiness.
• [15:32] - Sonja talks about the idea of happiness and well-being in social environments and with each other in various relationships.
• [16:50] - Happiness shouldn't be forced on anyone. Sonja talks about situations where happiness interventions aren't the right strategy.
• [19:11] - Sonja explains how she presents these interventions in different types of workplaces.
• [20:00] - The Lightning Round with Sonja Lyubomirsky

• The International Positive Psychology Association's 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology
• Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life - Dacher Keltner
• The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence - Dacher Keltner
• The Art of Happiness - Dalai Lama
• The Undoing Process: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds - Michael Lewis

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 Sonja for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Russ Harris is the author of the international best-selling self help book, The Happiness Trap. He is a therapist and coach, as well as a world renowned trainer of acceptance and commitment therapy, otherwise known as ACT. He has provided ACT training to over 20,000 people all around the world.

In this conversation, you will hear Russ talk about the ACT approach. He explains how individuals and organizations can use the ACT approach to work through negativity and be comfortable with accepting rather than solving.

Connect with Russ Harris:

Website: ActMindfully.com.au

• [01:28] - Russ talks about finding healthy ways to accept things that seem completely unacceptable.
• [04:07] - Russ shares how those of us that are used to a CBT approach to our challenges can get comfortable with accepting rather than solving.
• [07:55] - Self-compassion is an important skill to normalize being able to get comfortably uncomfortable. Russ explains how the ACT approach works through negativity.
• [09:54] - Russ talks about the ideas of expansion, anchoring, pursuing the value of kindness, and connectedness with others.
• [12:22] - Russ describes how to introduce these ideas into workplaces. He describes his experiences with different types of work environments.
• [17:24] - When asked about work situations where ACT approach may not be a good fit, Russ shares the range of situations where these strategies have been implemented.
• [19:50] - The Lightning Round with Russ Harris

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT - Russ Harris and Steven Hayes

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

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 Russ for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!