Why tiny is mighty

Why tiny is mighty

Blogs and Stories

Why tiny is mighty

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Are you one of those people who makes big New Year’s resolutions and then struggles to make them work?

If you are, don’t worry – you are far from own your own and there are good reasons why these big resolutions fail to materialise in changed behaviours for many of us.

Because change is hard and we need a process that works.

In his celebrated book, “Tiny Habits”, Professor BJ Fogg proposed that change is made a lot easier if you implement it incrementally and a number of essential elements are present – the equation is:

B = M A P 

Behaviour happens when Motivation, Ability and Prompt converge at the same moment.

If you think about it, the same elements are necessary to implement positive changes in business or any aspect of life.

The above diagram (from the Michelle McQuaid Group) provides a template for introducing a “Tiny Habit” to improve wellbeing in your life.

This could be something like:

  •  After I get up in the morning, I will go for a walk to my local cafe and I will celebrate with a coffee or
  • Before I go to bed, I will reflect on my day and identify three things that I am grateful for and celebrate with a self-hug or
  • At dinner time, I am going to ask my family to share something that they learned today or something good that happened today and we will celebrate it with Hi 5s or
  • Any activity that is positive for your wellbeing (or your team/family/other group), that you are motivated to do, that is  within your abilities to achieve and where you can tie it to a prompt.

If this is a wellbeing practice that you would like to look at for your business and your employees, we can help with that. It is also an engaging way to help employees to work on improvements in their performance through incremental steps and regular positive feedback on progressive achievements.

Our PosWork suite of services has been built to help businesses and their people to “flourish by design”. If you are looking for someone to help you to develop a better workplace, why don’t you give us a call on 0438 533 311 or email info@poswork.com.au to arrange a first free consultation.

 

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PosWork

A Division of Ridgeline Human Resources Pty Ltd
ABN : 24 091 644 094

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

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Thinking about the Strength of Gratitude

Thinking about the Strength of Gratitude

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Thinking about the Strength of Gratitude

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Gratitude is one of the five character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Transcendence.

Transcendence describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning.

What is gratitude?

The character strength of gratitude involves feeling and expressing a deep sense of thankfulness in life, and more specifically, taking the time to genuinely express thankfulness to others. 

We can be grateful for deliberate acts by others, such as a piece of art from a child, or for spontaneous treasures, such as a cool breeze on your face on a hot day. What marks gratitude is the psychological response: the transcendent feeling of thankfulness, the sense of having been given a gift by that person or event. 

There are two types of gratitude:

  • Benefit-triggered gratitude = the state that follows when a desired benefit is received from a benefactor.
  • Generalized gratitude = the state resulting from awareness and appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to yourself. There are two stages of gratitude:
    • Acknowledging the goodness in your life.
    • Recognizing the source of this goodness is outside yourself.

Why is gratitude of value?

  • Grateful people experience a variety of positive emotions, and those emotions inspire them to act in more virtuous ways – humbler, more persistent, or kinder.
  • Gratitude has spiritual benefits such as a feeling of interconnectedness with life, a general sense of responsibility toward others and reduced emphasis on material goods.
  • Gratitude activities have been widely successful in boosting wellbeing and managing depression.

A couple of questions to consider

  • What is most rewarding to you about expressing gratitude?
  • What concerns do you have, if any, in expressing gratitude to certain people?

Some things that you can do to practise gratitude

  • Download the ShareTree app (https://sharetree.org) and express gratitude to someone by sending them a leaf or record something or someone you are grateful for in the gratitude journal.
  • Make a point of going out of your way at work to express thanks to someone who is not typically recognised, explaining why you are grateful to them. Then observe their reaction.
  • Select one small aspect of yourself that you have taken for granted. Bring your mindful awareness to it and feel the emotion of gratitude for this part of yourself. 

For more information on the strength of gratitude, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/gratitude

If you are interested in exploring how the practice of Character Strengths might be of benefit to your business and culture, contact Peter Maguire on 0438 533 311 or at info@poswork.com.au.

Acknowledgement: the primary reference for this post is “The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate And Ignite Your Positive Personality” by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath (An Official Guide From The VIA Institute on Character)

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PosWork

A Division of Ridgeline Human Resources Pty Ltd
ABN : 24 091 644 094

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

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Reviewing the Strength of Forgiveness

Reviewing the Strength of Forgiveness

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Reviewing the Strength of Forgiveness

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Forgiveness is one of the four character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Temperance.

Temperance describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess.

What is forgiveness?

Forgiveness means to extend understanding towards those who have wronged or hurt us. It means to let go. In many cases this is the letting go of some or all of the frustration, disappointment, resentment, or other painful feelings associated with an offense. 

Forgiveness, and the related quality of mercy, involve accepting the shortcomings, flaws, and imperfections of others and giving them a second (or third) chance. As the expression goes, it is letting bygones be bygones, rather than being vengeful. It is a process of humanizing those who have led us to feel dehumanized.

It is important to distinguish forgiveness from:

  • condoning (removes the offense)
  • forgetting (removes the awareness)
  • reconciliation (restores the relationship)

Why is forgiveness of value?

  • Partners who characterise their relationship as highly satisfying, committed and close are more likely to forgive when transgressions occur.
  • Forgiveness contributes to productive interpersonal relationships, thriving teamwork, job satisfaction, personal morale, innovative problem-solving, a sense of flexibility when facing changes and productivity.
  • More forgiving people experience less of the negative emotions of anger, anxiety, depression and hostility than do less forgiving people.

A couple of questions to consider

  • How do you reconcile forgiving someone with holding the belief that people should be held accountable for transgressions?
  • As you think about past situations, has it been more challenging to forgive someone at work or at home? Why?

Some things that you can do to practise forgiveness

  • Choose a person against whom you hold a grudge and visualise a conversation in which you practise forgiveness and letting go. 
  • Practise letting go of minor irritants in your life such as someone cutting you off in traffic or feeling slighted because someone ignored you or didn’t consider your feelings.
  • Practise self-forgiveness. Consider a minor wrongdoing and give yourself permission to have made the mistake while committing yourself to doing better in future.

For more information on the strength of forgiveness, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/forgiveness

If you are interested in exploring how the practice of Character Strengths might be of benefit to your business and culture, contact Peter Maguire on 0438 533 311 or at info@poswork.com.au.

Acknowledgement: the primary reference for this post is “The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate And Ignite Your Positive Personality” by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath (An Official Guide From The VIA Institute on Character)

CONTACT US

PosWork

A Division of Ridgeline Human Resources Pty Ltd
ABN : 24 091 644 094

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

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The Business Case for Strengths

The Business Case for Strengths

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The Business Case for Strengths

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I have recently been exploring research on why it is worthwhile for people to understand and use their character strengths. In the process, I came across an excellent publication by The Strengths Lab, a Michelle McQuaid Program which sets out a Business Case for Strengths citing 10 reasons overwhelmingly supported by authoritative research.   

Those 10 reasons are:

  1.  People who use their strengths more are more likely to be happy and flourishing with research indicating lower levels of depression, higher levels of vitality and good mental health.
  2. People who use their strengths more experience less stress with higher levels of positivity reported.
  3. People who use their strengths more feel healthier and have more energy associated with a number of healthy behaviours and lower likelihood of absenteeism reported.
  4. People who use their strengths more feel more satisfied with their lives with reportedly good problem solving skills and better work performance, resistance to stress and physical health.
  5. People who use their strengths more are more confident with studies showing that strengths knowledge and strengths use are associated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-acceptance and self-confidence.
  6. People who use their strengths more experience faster growth and development especially when learning something new or difficult.
  7. People who use their strengths more are more creative and agile at work being able to better adapt to change, engage in more creative and proactive behaviours, pay more attention to detail and work harder.
  8. People who use their strengths more feel more satisfied and experience more meaning in their work with studies showing that those using their signature strengths are more likely to experience job satisfaction, pleasure, engagement and meaning in their work.
  9. People who use their strengths more are more engaged in their work with studies showing that people regularly using their strengths are up to 6 times more engaged in what they’re doing.
  10. Managers who focus on people’s strengths experience improved team performance and greater success with lower levels of staff turnover and higher levels of productivity, customer satisfaction and profitability.

So, in summary, investing in strengths delivers massive paybacks through increases in employee engagement, staff health wellbeing and happiness, productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction and reductions in absenteeism, depression and staff turnover.

That sounds like a pretty good business case to me.

Acknowledgement: content on the 10 reasons is drawn from “Introduction to strengths – The Business Case for Strengths published by The Strengths Lab, a Michelle McQuaid Program” . Refer https://www.michellemcquaid.com/.

Interested in learning more about PosWork’s strengths coaching services? Call us on 0438 533 311 or email info@poswork.com.au.

 

 

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PosWork

A Division of Ridgeline Human Resources Pty Ltd
ABN : 24 091 644 094

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

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About Engage for Success, our choice for employee engagement

About Engage for Success, our choice for employee engagement

Blogs and Stories

About Engage for Success, our choice for employee engagement

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We chose the Engage for Success framework because it is the simplest, most easily understood, practical and flexible model that owe know and it is backed by extensive and qualified research commissioned by the UK Government. For small businesses in particular, the four pillars of employee engagement provide a really sound foundation for developing a high performing business where people feel valued and want to contribute. Here is a bit of background information on the movement.

The Engage for Success movement is a UK-based initiative that aims to promote employee engagement as a means to improve organizational performance, productivity, and well-being. It was launched in 2012 as a response to a growing recognition of the importance of employee engagement in the workplace.

The movement was formed as a result of a government-sponsored report called “Engaging for Success: Enhancing Performance through Employee Engagement,” also known as the MacLeod Report. This report, led by David MacLeod and Nita Clarke, highlighted the potential benefits of employee engagement for both employees and organizations. It emphasized the role of leadership, management practices, and employee involvement in creating an engaged workforce.

Engage for Success operates as a not-for-profit movement, bringing together a diverse group of individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors, including business leaders, HR professionals, academics, and employee engagement experts. The movement aims to share knowledge, research, and best practices related to employee engagement and to provide a platform for collaboration and dialogue.

The core belief of the Engage for Success movement is that when employees are engaged, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and committed to their work. Engaged employees tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction, better physical and mental well-being, and are more likely to contribute innovative ideas and discretionary effort to their organizations. This, in turn, can lead to improved business performance, customer satisfaction, and overall organizational success.

Engage for Success focuses on four key enablers of employee engagement:

  1. Strategic narrative: Developing a compelling vision, purpose, and values that inspire employees and give them a sense of direction.
  2. Engaging leadership: Creating a culture of leadership that empowers and supports employees, provides clear direction, and enables effective communication.
  3. Employee voice: Encouraging two-way communication, involving employees in decision-making processes, and valuing their opinions and ideas.
  4. Organizational integrity: Ensuring consistency between the organization’s values, behavior, and practices, which helps build trust and fosters a positive work environment.

The movement offers a variety of resources, research findings, case studies, and tools to help organizations and individuals enhance employee engagement. These resources include events, webinars, workshops, and online communities that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among members.

The Engage for Success movement has gained recognition and support from various stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and academics. It has played a significant role in promoting the importance of employee engagement as a key driver of organizational success and advocating for its adoption in workplaces across the UK and beyond.

 

Want to know more about how you can use the Engage for Success model to build a better workplace? Call us on 0438 533 311 or email info@poswork.com.au.

 

 

CONTACT US

PosWork

A Division of Ridgeline Human Resources Pty Ltd
ABN : 24 091 644 094

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

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Why coaching through strengths is a better way

Why coaching through strengths is a better way

Blogs and Stories

Why coaching through strengths is a better way

Coaching and strengths-based approaches are indeed powerful tools for managing and developing people. When combined, they create a synergistic effect that can enhance individual performance, engagement, and overall organizational success. Here’s how coaching and strengths work together to be effective:

  1. Coaching: Coaching is a collaborative process that focuses on unlocking an individual’s potential, maximizing their performance, and facilitating their personal and professional growth. It involves providing support, guidance, and feedback to help individuals overcome challenges, develop new skills, and achieve their goals. Effective coaching establishes a trusting relationship between the coach and the coachee, allowing for open communication and exploration of different perspectives.
  2. Strengths-based approach: A strengths-based approach emphasizes identifying and leveraging an individual’s inherent strengths, talents, and abilities. Instead of solely focusing on weaknesses or areas that need improvement, this approach seeks to identify and develop the unique capabilities that individuals possess. By recognizing and utilizing strengths, individuals can perform at their best, experience higher levels of motivation and engagement, and achieve greater success.

When combined, coaching and strengths-based approaches offer several benefits for managing and developing people:

  1. Empowerment: Coaching and strengths-based approaches empower individuals by helping them recognize and capitalize on their strengths. This recognition boosts confidence, self-esteem, and motivation, enabling individuals to take ownership of their development and actively contribute to their success.
  2. Performance improvement: Coaching facilitates targeted and personalized support to address performance gaps and challenges. By focusing on an individual’s strengths, coaches can identify strategies to leverage those strengths to overcome obstacles and enhance performance. This approach creates a positive environment for growth, resulting in improved performance outcomes.
  3. Engagement and satisfaction: By recognizing and utilizing strengths, individuals experience higher levels of engagement and job satisfaction. They feel valued for their unique contributions, and their work aligns more closely with their natural talents and passions. This alignment leads to increased motivation, productivity, and overall satisfaction in the workplace.
  4. Personal and professional growth: Coaching and strengths-based approaches foster continuous learning and development. Coaches can help individuals set meaningful goals, identify areas for growth, and provide guidance and resources for skill enhancement. Leveraging strengths as building blocks for development encourages individuals to expand their capabilities and reach their full potential.
  5. Positive organizational culture: By promoting coaching and strengths-based approaches, organizations can cultivate a positive and supportive culture. This culture encourages open communication, trust, and collaboration, as individuals are appreciated for their unique talents and contributions. It also fosters a growth mindset, where learning and development are valued and embraced at all levels of the organization.

Overall, combining coaching and strengths-based approaches provides a comprehensive framework for managing and developing people. It empowers individuals, enhances performance, fosters engagement, and cultivates a positive organizational culture. By investing in coaching and leveraging strengths, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive long-term success.

Strengths practice is an integral element of our EngageMentality coaching framework – one of the five lenses through which users can develop and implement their own wellbeing and development plans. If you are interested in exploring more about how strengths and coaching practice can be of value, give us a call on 0438 533 311 for your free first consultation.

 

CONTACT US

PosWork

A Division of Ridgeline Human Resources Pty Ltd
ABN : 24 091 644 094

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

LET'S HAVE A CHAT