Leading with positivity

By Nicole Laidler

Learn to create a better life for yourself, and your team, with the power of positive psychology 

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Think good, and it will be good.” It may seem like a naïve approach to dealing with the complex challenges of modern life, but research shows that it can be good advice. 

Positive psychology is the science of well-being

“Positive psychology is a science,” says Janine Higgins, who teaches Positive Psychology at Western Continuing Studies. 

Higgins defines positive psychology as “the study of how to improve your well-being.” It focuses on people’s strengths, and is founded on the premise that everyone wants to live a meaningful life, be their best selves, and find happiness in their personal and professional lives. 

It has been a growing field since 1998, when Dr. Martin Seligman was elected president of the American Psychological Association (APA) and encouraged positive psychology as a field of scientific research, Higgins says. 

The 12-hour Positive Psychology course at Western Continuing Studies is delivered online with real-time learning, and can be used as an elective towards the Professional Certificates in Conflict Management or Emotional Intelligence.   

The curriculum explores scientifically-based methods to help learners develop their own positive emotions, behaviours, and character strengths.

“It’s very inwardly focused,” says Higgins. “It’s one of those courses where the more you put in, the more you get out.” 

While the course is open to everyone, Higgins says positive psychology can transform how managers lead and how their teams perform. “When you lead from a place of well-being you are better able to interact with others, to make decisions, and to lead with confidence,” she explains. 

Employees who feel a sense of accomplishment, who are positive about the future, and who enjoy coming to work, are more productive. As for job-seekers, Higgins says that positive psychology can help them remain positive - even in the face of rejection.

“This course is for absolutely everybody,” she says. “My hope is that people will find things that are of value to them, and continue to benefit from positive psychology indefinitely.” 

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