Chris Braithwaite Associates

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Positive Psychology and Business

What is Positive Psychology?

In the words of it’s founder, Martin Seligman, Positive Psychology is ..

' the scientific study of optimal human functioning that aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive. It is a move away from the more typical role psychology has played, certainly in the later part of the 20th Century,which has been to focus on ' correcting' mental deficiencies. Positive Psychology is concerned with such areas of human life as; happiness, flow experiences, well-being and flourishing’.

Positive Psychology operates at three levels:- Subjective Level, Individual Level and Group Level.

Subjective Level - positive experiences such as joy, well-being, satisfaction, happiness, optimism and flow.

Individual Level - personal qualities that are necessary for being a 'good person' and living a 'good life'.

Group Level - civic virtues, social responsibility, altruism, work ethics, positive organisations.

How can Positive Psychology be applied to business?

As we spend around 40 of our 120 waking hours each week at 'work', it is clear that applying the theories of Positive Psychology to the workplace (Group Level) can have a major impact on performance.

Positive Psychology provides a set of scientifically-based principles to guide the re-invention of the workplace. It can guide the creation  of an environment that not only meets the base need to earn a living (survival) and the creation of loyalty through recognition (success), but also creates inspiration thus stimulating  peoples’ intrinsic motivation (meaning).

It can also be applied to customers by providing a framework for understanding how to go beyond simple satisfaction to commitment and finally evangelism for the brand. Ultimately creating what Kevin Roberts (CEO Saatchi Worldwide) describes as ‘Lovemarks’.

What evidence is there that Positive Psychology is effective?

By isolating and effectively communicating a higher purpose an increasing number of companies are creating meaning for their employees, customers and investors. Some have done it intuitively, others by pragmatic research into the mechanics of success. Pick any company from The Sunday Times or Fortune 500 Best Companies to Work For Lists and you will find Positive Psychology  at work.  These companies are not only successful but also rate highly in terms of employee satisfaction, loyalty and intrinsic motivation.

Finding out more

If you would like to find out more about positive psychology and its application in driving successful businesses and brands, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Chris Braithwaite          Tel: 01422 825709            E-mail : chris@cbamr.co.uk