Jackie Insinger: Positive Psychology Is the Key to Motivate Employees
Barron's Advisor
Deep Dive
What is the core difference between positive psychology and positive thinking?
Positive psychology is a science-based approach focused on building strengths and moving beyond baseline performance, whereas positive thinking is more about maintaining an optimistic mindset without the structured, measurable framework.
Why is the concept of 'normal' not an end goal in positive psychology?
Normal represents a neutral baseline, but positive psychology aims to push beyond this to unlock potential and achieve excellence, rather than settling for the absence of problems or poor performance.
How does emotional contagion affect workplace dynamics?
Emotional contagion spreads emotions rapidly—within 33 milliseconds—and can influence not just immediate team members but also those further down the hierarchy. Leaders' moods and outlooks significantly impact team morale and performance.
What is the 'platinum rule' and why is it important for leadership?
The platinum rule is treating others the way they wish to be treated, rather than how you would like to be treated. It’s crucial for effective leadership because it ensures that individuals feel valued and understood in ways that resonate with them personally.
What is psychological safety and why is it critical for high-performing teams?
Psychological safety is the ability to express ideas, admit mistakes, or disagree without fear of shame or judgment. It’s the top factor for high-performing teams, as it encourages innovation, risk-taking, and efficient problem-solving.
How did the pandemic expose 'culture theater' in organizations?
The pandemic revealed that many organizations relied on superficial perks like kombucha on tap or foosball tables to create culture. When these were removed, companies were exposed for lacking deeper, authentic connections and values.
What are the measurable benefits of a positive outlook in the workplace?
A positive outlook increases productivity by 31%, sales by 37%, and profits by 50%, while reducing the negative impact of stress by 23%. Leaders who spread positivity can significantly boost their company’s bottom line.
Can people change their default emotional state, and how?
Yes, people can change their default emotional state. Studies show that practicing gratitude for just two minutes a day over 21 days can shift someone from default negative to neutral or from neutral to positive.
What are the biggest challenges facing finance leaders today?
The two main challenges are employee engagement and leader burnout. Leaders are struggling to motivate overwhelmed, burned-out teams while navigating complex, unprecedented environments.
Why is the current period referred to as the 'Great Gloom'?
The 'Great Gloom' refers to the lowest happiness index in history for employees, with some industries reporting levels 10 times lower than during the peak of the pandemic in April 2020.
- Positive psychology is a science, not just positive thinking.
- It focuses on building strengths and reaching potential.
- Traditional psychology focuses on fixing what's broken, while positive psychology focuses on exceeding normal performance.
Shownotes Transcript