Making Positive Psychology Work

Sarah Lewis is the founder and managing director of Appreciating Change in the UK. Sarah consults for organizations around the world on how to effectively create sustainable change.

In this conversation, you will hear Sarah talk about her philosophies on change and how she helps organizations through the change process. We discuss the questions that must be asked to unleash change. Often, the questions asked pertain to what is going wrong or what is broken. Instead, Sarah talks about the questions that need to be asked to unleash the power to move forward through positive change. Sarah also explains some other methodology for positive change, like World Cafe and Simu-Real.

In the Lightning Round, Sarah shares several authors and books for which she has great appreciation. She also shares that "positivity is a state as well as a trait."These methodologies are not about ignoring the negativity in life, but rather to help us get to a state where we are coping and thriving.

• [01:30] - Sarah shares the advice she gives organizations wanting to bring out the best in their people during the change process.
• [3:21] - Sarah talks about getting leaders to embrace a more system change, rather than a top-down implemented change.
• [07:10] - Sarah talks about the questions that need to be asked to unleash the power to move forward.
• [10:04] - Sarah talks about the burning platform and while that might be productive in the short-term, there is difficulty with sustaining that change.
• [16:27] - Sarah explains the World Cafe and Simu-Real methodologies for change.
• [22:45] - The Lightning Round with Sarah Lewis.

Sarah Lewis' Website Sarah Lewis' books on Amazon Kim Cameron's books David Cooperrider's books Collaborating for Change: Appreciative Inquiry - David Cooperrider et al. The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems - Peggy Holman and Tom Devane

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

Until next time, take care!

Sarah Lewis is the founder and managing director of Appreciating Change in the UK. Sarah consults for organizations around the world on how to effectively create sustainable change.

In this conversation, you will hear Sarah talk about her philosophies on change and how she helps organizations through the change process. We discuss the questions that must be asked to unleash change. Often, the questions asked pertain to what is going wrong or what is broken. Instead, Sarah talks about the questions that need to be asked to unleash the power to move forward through positive change. Sarah also explains some other methodology for positive change, like World Cafe and Simu-Real.

In the Lightning Round, Sarah shares several authors and books for which she has great appreciation. She also shares that “positivity is a state as well as a trait.”These methodologies are not about ignoring the negativity in life, but rather to help us get to a state where we are coping and thriving.

• [01:30] - Sarah shares the advice she gives organizations wanting to bring out the best in their people during the change process.
• [3:21] - Sarah talks about getting leaders to embrace a more system change, rather than a top-down implemented change.
• [07:10] - Sarah talks about the questions that need to be asked to unleash the power to move forward.
• [10:04] - Sarah talks about the burning platform and while that might be productive in the short-term, there is difficulty with sustaining that change.
• [16:27] - Sarah explains the World Cafe and Simu-Real methodologies for change.
• [22:45] - The Lightning Round with Sarah Lewis.

Sarah Lewis’ Website
Sarah Lewis’ books on Amazon
Kim Cameron’s books
David Cooperrider’s books
Collaborating for Change: Appreciative Inquiry - David Cooperrider et al.
The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today’s Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems - Peggy Holman and Tom Devane

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

Until next time, take care!

Chris White is the managing director of the Center for Positive Organizations and the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Chris developed and co-teaches the MBA class on social intrapreneurship.

In this conversation, Chris explains social intrapreneurship - leading positive change without authority - and compares this with social movement activists. Chris talks about how organizations can create workplace environments to foster more social intrapreneurship, and where these efforts can go wrong.

• [01:24] - Chris talks about his presentation on leading positive change without authority. He draws parallels between social movement activists and trying to create change in organizations.
• [02:06] - Chris goes over the 4 things that occur in social movement theory literature and those also apply to social intrapreneurship .
• [04:24] - Chris talks about social intrapreneurship.
• [06:25] - Chris shares his thoughts on the roles of passion, meaning, and purpose play in social intrapreneurship.
• [08:30] - Chris talks about the things leaders of organizations can do to create more intrapreneur-friendly environments in workplaces.
• [10:08] - People experience fear that leaders will not embrace intrapreneurship and Chris talks about what levels of the organization need to set the culture of intrapreneurship.
• [11:25] - Chris points out that Barclay's is an organization that has fostered and nurtured intrapreneurship.
• [12:48] - Chris talks about social intrapreneurship gone wrong.
• [16:00] - The Lightning Round with Chris White.

Changing Your Company From the Inside Out - Chris White Chris White's Blog Lift: The Fundamental State of Leadership - Ryan Quinn and Robert Quinn Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living - Krista Tippett PositiveBusinessConference.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.

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 Chris for joining me this week.

Until next time, take care!

Chris White is the managing director of the Center for Positive Organizations and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Chris developed and co-teaches the MBA class on social intrapreneurship.

In this conversation, Chris explains social intrapreneurship - leading positive change without authority - and compares this with social movement activists.   Chris talks about how organizations can create workplace environments to foster more social intrapreneurship,  and where these efforts can go wrong.

• [01:24] - Chris talks about his presentation on leading positive change without authority. He draws parallels between social movement activists and trying to create change in organizations.
• [02:06] - Chris goes over the 4 things that occur in social movement theory literature and those also apply to social intrapreneurship .
• [04:24] - Chris talks about social intrapreneurship.
• [06:25] - Chris shares his thoughts on the roles of passion, meaning, and purpose play in social intrapreneurship.
• [08:30] - Chris talks about the things leaders of organizations can do to create more intrapreneur-friendly environments in workplaces.
• [10:08] - People experience fear that leaders will not embrace intrapreneurship and Chris talks about what levels of the organization need to set the culture of intrapreneurship.
• [11:25] - Chris points out that Barclay’s is an organization that has fostered and nurtured intrapreneurship.
• [12:48] - Chris talks about social intrapreneurship gone wrong.
• [16:00] - The Lightning Round with Chris White.

Changing Your Company From the Inside Out - Chris White
Chris White’s Blog
Lift: The Fundamental State of Leadership - Ryan Quinn and Robert Quinn
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living - Krista Tippett
PositiveBusinessConference.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.

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 Chris for joining me this week.

Until next time, take care!

Jason Wilburn is the Vice President and General Manager for the Industrial Services Division of Conco Services Corporation. Conco was a finalist in the 2016 Positive Business Project competition, presented by The Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

Conco has a lot of remote employees that only see each other face-to-face twice a year, yet are expected to have the familiarity to be able to work effectively together. In January, Conco launched their program to develop and build high-quality connections.

In this conversation, Jason talks about how he and Conco implemented these positive psychology practices. He shares the results and growth that Conco has experienced in 2016, with these practices in place. He also talks about the next steps of maintaining this program of high-quality connections.

• [01:36] - Jason talks about what he and his team have done at Conco to make 2016 the year of high-quality connections.
• [04:18] - Jason explains how Conco was able to convince people to buy into these concepts and approaches.
• [07:17] - Jason talks about the financial benefits of implementing a culture of high-quality connections.
• [08:30] - The change in culture with Conco has led to an increase in applicants.
• [09:38] - Jason talks about what sparked his interest in these positive psychology practices.
• [11:40] - Jason shares his advice on implementing these practices into an organization.
• [14:48] - Jason talks about how to accomplish the goal of maintaining and turning people from practitioners to teachers.
• [16:07] - The Lightning Round with Jason Wilburn.

The Gratitude Journal The Positive Organization - Bob Quinn Why Nations Fail - Daron Acemoglu Originals - Adam Grant Bully Pulpit - Doris Kearns Goodwin The Center for Positive Organization's Positive Business Project

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

Until next time, take care!

Jason Wilburn is the Vice President and General Manager for the Industrial Services Division of Conco Services Corporation. Conco was a finalist in the 2016 Positive Business Project competition, presented by The Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Conco has a lot of remote employees that only see each other face-to-face twice a year, yet are expected to have the familiarity to be able to work effectively together. In January, Conco launched their program to develop and build high-quality connections.

In this conversation, Jason talks about how he and Conco implemented these positive psychology practices. He shares the results and growth that Conco has experienced in 2016, with these practices in place. He also talks about the next steps of maintaining this program of high-quality connections.

• [01:36] - Jason talks about what he and his team have done at Conco to make 2016 the year of high-quality connections.
• [04:18] - Jason explains how Conco was able to convince people to buy into these concepts and approaches.
• [07:17] - Jason talks about the financial benefits of implementing a culture of high-quality connections.
• [08:30] - The change in culture with Conco has led to an increase in applicants.
• [09:38] - Jason talks about what sparked his interest in these positive psychology practices.
• [11:40] - Jason shares his advice on implementing these practices into an organization.
• [14:48] - Jason talks about how to accomplish the goal of maintaining and turning people from practitioners to teachers.
• [16:07] - The Lightning Round with Jason Wilburn.

The Gratitude Journal
The Positive Organization - Bob Quinn
Why Nations Fail - Daron Acemoglu
Originals - Adam Grant
Bully Pulpit - Doris Kearns Goodwin
The Center for Positive Organization’s Positive Business Project

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

Until next time, take care!

Neil Garrett is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University College London. His research investigates the mechanisms by which individuals learn information about the world and the factors that influence learning processes.

Neil Garrett's website: http://neilgarrett.org/

In this conversation, Neil shares that research suggests that our brains may be wired for optimism. People tend to over-estimate the likelihood of positive events in the future and under-estimate the likelihood of negative events in the future. Although this is not the case with everyone, as there are external factors that can influence this in individuals.

Neil's findings can help leaders determine the best ways to deliver information in workplaces. There are some negatives that come from this optimism and Neil talks about what those negatives are and explains the necessary balance that needs to happen.

• [01:27] - Neil shares some takeaways from his presentation at the European Conference on Positive Psychology.
• [02:13] - According to Neil, research suggests that our brains are wired for optimism. However, this can be influenced by factors such as depression, stress, and anxiety.
• [03:21] - Neil talks about what is going on neurologically as our brain interprets good and bad information.
• [05:10] - This filtering of information encourages motivation, but can lead to risk-taking.
• [05:52] - Neil says that the role of genetics in this process is not yet known.
• [06:31] - Neil talks about how his findings can influence the workplace.
• [08:15] - Neil discusses how leaders can use this information to deliver information.
• [09:47] - Neil talks about the impact technology can have on harnessing our brain's activity.
• [10:57] - Neil shares some of his current research, which involves work with firefighters.
• [12:21] - Neil talks more about the negatives of this optimism, such as risk-taking behaviors and ignoring warning signs.
• [13:34] - The Lightning Round with Neil Garrett

The Great Brain Experiment (app)

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running - Haruki Murakami

Sweet Tooth: A Novel - Ian McEwan

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work - Mason Currey

European Conference on Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology Program

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 week. Until next time, take care!

Until next time, take care!

Neil Garrett is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University College London. His research investigates the mechanisms by which individuals learn information about the world and the factors that influence learning processes.

Neil Garrett’s website: http://neilgarrett.org/

In this conversation, Neil shares that research suggests that our brains may be wired for optimism. People tend to over-estimate the likelihood of positive events in the future and under-estimate the likelihood of negative events in the future. Although this is not the case with everyone, as there are external factors that can influence this in individuals.

Neil’s findings can help leaders determine the best ways to deliver information in workplaces. There are some negatives that come from this optimism and Neil talks about what those negatives are and explains the necessary balance that needs to happen.

• [01:27] - Neil shares some takeaways from his presentation at the European Conference on Positive Psychology.
• [02:13] - According to Neil, research suggests that our brains are wired for optimism. However, this can be influenced by factors such as depression, stress, and anxiety.
• [03:21] - Neil talks about what is going on neurologically as our brain interprets good and bad information.
• [05:10] - This filtering of information encourages motivation, but can lead to risk-taking.
• [05:52] - Neil says that the role of genetics in this process is not yet known.
• [06:31] - Neil talks about how his findings can influence the workplace.
• [08:15] - Neil discusses how leaders can use this information to deliver information.
• [09:47] - Neil talks about the impact technology can have on harnessing our brain’s activity.
• [10:57] - Neil shares some of his current research, which involves work with firefighters.
• [12:21] - Neil talks more about the negatives of this optimism, such as risk-taking behaviors and ignoring warning signs.
• [13:34] - The Lightning Round with Neil Garrett

The Great Brain Experiment (app)

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running - Haruki Murakami

Sweet Tooth: A Novel - Ian McEwan

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work - Mason Currey

European Conference on Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology Program

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 week. Until next time, take care!

Until next time, take care!

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.

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.

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)

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 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 week. Until next time, take care!

Until next time, take care!

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. 

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.

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)

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 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 week. Until next time, take care!

Until next time, take care!