Strengths. The best path to growth and development is to engage our strengths and talents, and stretch ourselves regularly.

Transcription

1 Strengths The best path to growth and development is to engage our strengths and talents, and stretch ourselves regularly. l

2 Why Strengths? Integration of positive-psychology and strengths-based inquiry ir into coaching psychology A Wellcoach is a strengths-based coach

3 Why Strengths? Seligman & Peterson were not the first to recognize the power of focusing on strengths Jung Maslow

4 6 Virtues and 24 Character Strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) 1. Wisdom and knowledge: Creativity, Curiosity, Open- mindedness, d Love of learning, Perspective 2. Courage: Authenticity, Bravery, Persistence, Zest 3. Humanity: Kindness, Love, Social Intelligence 4. Justice: Fairness, Leadership, Teamwork 5. Temperance: Forgiveness, Modesty, Prudence, Self-regulation 6. Transcendence: Appreciation, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Religiousness

5 What do character strengths feel like? 1. This is the real me I own this and it s authentic 2. Excitement t when I display it 3. Rapid learning curve when I m practicing it 4. Want to learn continually how to use it 5. Yearn to use it more 6. Feels inevitable try and stop me 7. Invigorating, not exhausting 8. Want to create projects to use it 9. Joy and zest, even ecstasy, while using it

6 Formula for well-being Positive emotion around the past Gratitude for the past Savoring the present Mindfulness in the present Engagement in the present Meaning in the present Optimism for the future

7 Using character strengths Engagement: using strengths in challenging situations produces flow states peak psychological experiences Meaning: well-being is fostered by using our character strengths for a higher purpose

8 Flow High Anxiety Arousal Flow Challenges Worry Control (Action Opportunities) Apathy Relaxation Low Boredom Skills (Action Capabilities) High Adapted from Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2002, p. 95

9 Flow frequency (German study) Often: 23 % Sometimes 40% Rarely 25% Never or don t know 15%

10 Strengths FAQ Why should I focus on my strengths? Are there any obstacles to building strengths? Are there any opposite or conflicting strengths? Can I develop a strength if I don t have one? Will I become too narrow if I only focus on my strengths? How can I manage around my weaknesses?

11 Why focus on Strengths? To achieve consistent and near perfect performance Performance is excellent and fulfilling Conscious competence

12 Strengths are there obstacles? Fixation on fixing Fear Cultural differences Age differences Educational system Of weaknesses Of failure Of ego DNA of Well-Beings: Building Better Wellness

13 One strength does not diminish another Are there conflicting Strengths or opposites?

14 Strengths can I develop one? Seligman Strength - moral traits - a choice one can develop Talents non-moral traits - a natural skill one has or does not

15 Strengths can I develop one? Buckingham and Clifton T + K + S = Strength Talents naturally recurring thought, feeling or behavior Knowledge Fact or lessons learned Skills Steps of an activity it

16 Strengths won t I be narrow? Broaden and build (Frederickson) Creates a greater appreciation of others Living life by design Cultivates self-awareness

17 How can I manage around my weaknesses? Taming the gremlin Design the environment Partner / role model Use strengths instead

18 How can I manage around my weaknesses? Taming the gremlin Design the environment Partner / role model Use strengths instead

19 Strengths coaching Engage character strengths in service of wellness vision Coaching session dedicated to reviewing use of character strengths in work and personal lives Coaching session dedicated to reviewing flow experiences in work and personal lives Engage character strength in generative moment

20 What are your strengths? Name one of your strengths and the way is supports you in being your best self.