Positive Psychology Leader Series

Character strengths, often referred to as “the backbone of positive psychology,” have enjoyed extensive research and scholarship since the VIA project that culminated in 2004. What have we learned about character strengths in the last few years? In this extended webinar, Dr. Niemiec will share the latest in character strengths research, including new studies on character strengths appreciation, overuse/underuse/optimal-use of character strengths, and the connection with specific team roles. In addition, he will highlight domain-specific content relating to organizations, education, coaching/counseling, and health. He will also discuss the evidenced-based, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), the first structured mindfulness program to target the positive, namely what is best in people. This hands-on webinar will help researchers, practitioners and educators to strengthen the link between research and practice, and learn how to work with character strengths to generate positive outcomes.

This game-changing presentation shows us the extraordinary results of focusing on our children’s strengths rather than always trying to correct their weaknesses. Most parents struggle with this shift because they suffer from a negativity bias, thanks to evolutionary development, giving them “strengths-blindness.” By showing us how to throw the “strengths switch,” Lea Waters demonstrates how we can not only help our children build resilience, optimism, and achievement but we can also help inoculate them against today’s pandemic of depression and anxiety.

Over the past few years, the notion of a “positive intervention” has risen to prominence, as it was discovered that certain intentional actions can be effective in increasing and sustaining happiness and other positive states, as well as in reducing depression and anxiety. Despite the evidence for their effectiveness, these interventions are not widely accepted in the organisational and/or coaching domains, often seen as too “fluffy” and removed from the realities of day-to-day business. The talk will focus on the theory and emerging evidence behind using more pragmatic tangible tools and facilitation methods in positive psychology coaching and training to communicate positive psychology concepts and solutions to the business and professional audience.