Dare to Lead Differently in the New Year: Unleashing the Power of Positive Psychology at Work

"Positivity at work? It isn’t something that I am familiar with, honestly," a company leader shared with me. It’s a common sentiment and a heartbreaking one. 

Too many leaders are navigating a gut churn of negativity at work. When your workplace is tense, challenging, or even directionless, it is hard to know what to do next. Confronting this state at work can seem daunting. I get it. I see it. I advise on it every day. If this is you, it is completely understandable, and you are not alone. 

Quick fixes to this kind of adversity at work never stick. What does? 

You’ve probably heard the term “positive psychology.” You might associate it with phrases like “think good thoughts,” “don’t worry be happy,” or “positive vibes only.” 

But positive psychology is much more than pithy mantras. When applied with intention in the workplace, it is a game-changer. 

Founded by psychologist Martin Seligman, positive psychology emerged to fill a gap in traditional psychology, which centered explanations and approaches too negatively and narrowly to address complex human behavior. Seeing an opportunity to advance a strengths-based orientation, Seligman created a strategy that has yielded immense insights into building workplaces where people and organizations flourish. 

If you, as a leader, take the time to understand and utilize the science behind this approach, you will see positive change at work. 

Why You Need to Start With You 

Seligman’s research in positive psychology led to the development of the PERMA model, which consists of five building blocks: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. The leadership opportunity (and imperative) is to use this model at work to do what positive psychology is designed to do - improve the well-being of all and nurture organizational performance. 

We know that in the real world just saying, “lead with positive psychology,” doesn’t quite cut it. We can’t just flip a switch and expect our ability to lead in this way to magically appear. To truly lead with positivity, we must do the work ourselves, first.

Positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment – the building blocks of positive psychology-- start with you. Your team members are taking cues from the way you, as a leader, think, behave, and engage. While everyone has a role to play, leadership has a unique one in prioritizing and clarifying how people are regarded at all levels of the organization. This includes everyone – staff, management, and the governing board. 

Below I share our guide, now your guide, on how to lead with positive psychology. It is a quick read with a long view to elevate your self-awareness as a leader and create positive ripple effects across your organization. 

Leading with Positive Psychology [PERMA] in the New Year: Your Guide

How to Enact These Elements at Work: 

1. Take five minutes a day, for five days, to reflect on each element. 

2. After five days, unleash one action per week for five weeks. 

3. Journal your actions and progress. 

4. After the five weeks, what do you observe?  What are the top three positive changes? 

5. List the top three areas of development to bring even more positive change. 

6. Repeat and share. 

The Positive Psychology [PERMA] Ripple Effect in Your Organization: 

Building your positive psychology mindset first is one of the best things you can do for your team, your organization, and your well-being. Why? 

• A more optimistic leader fosters positivity across the workplace. 

• A deeply engaged leader inspires engagement in others. 

• A leader who prioritizes meaningful relationships creates an environment of trust.

• A positive environment at work is a workplace of choice, not chore. 

Positive psychology at work begins with you. Evolving from a workplace where positivity is scarce, to one where people feel a sense of belonging and value requires internal change first. When you invest in these actions now, change will follow. 

Onward to a positive 2025 at work! 

**Change is within reach. If you’d like help to get there, please don't hesitate to contact me at hello@opendooradvisorsinc.com.

**Did you like this article? I'd love it if you could share it with a leader or manager in your network!