Pondering the Strength of Spirituality

Pondering the Strength of Spirituality

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Coaching, Employee Engagement, Integrity, PERMAH, Psychological safety, Purpose, Strategic Narrative, Strengths, Wellbeing

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Pondering the Strength of Spirituality

chalk writing choose direction

Spirituality 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 spirituality?

As a character strength, spirituality involves the belief that there is a dimension to life that is beyond human understanding. Some people don’t connect this belief with the concept of a divinity and prefer to think of it in terms of a sense of meaning rather than spirituality, but in the VIA Classification the terms are considered closely related. 

Spirituality is believed to describe both the private, intimate relationship between humans and the divine, and the range of virtues that result from the relationships. Spirituality is universal. 

Although the specific content of spiritual beliefs varies, all cultures have a concept of an ultimate, transcendent, sacred force.

Some of these include meaning, purpose, life calling, beliefs about the universe, the expression of virtue/goodness, and practices that connect with the transcendent. Some of these include meaning, purpose, life calling, beliefs about the universe, the expression of virtue/goodness, and practices that connect with the transcendent. 

Why is spirituality of value?

  • Spirituality, through the expression of religiousness or sense of meaning, provides a sense of being grounded, increases optimism and helps to provide a sense of purpose in life.
  • People who are spiritual often experience benefits in their physical and psychological health and are resilient in the face of challenges.
  • Spirituality is connected to compassion, altruism, volunteering and philanthropy.

A couple of questions to consider

  • How do you define spirituality for yourself?
  • How does spirituality affect your relationships with others?

Some things that you can do to practise spirituality

  • Think of a spiritual role model in your community. Even if there are important differences between their beliefs and yours, consider their best qualities and one way that you might learn from them.
  • Find meaning at work – consider what matters most in the work that you do and the impact it has upon others. Pause to appreciate this.
  • Pause to connect with your inner spirit. Return to this solitude that resides within throughout the day. Breathe deeply and be at peace with yourself. 

For more information on the strength of hope, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character…/spirituality

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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Unpacking the Strength of Teamwork

Unpacking the Strength of Teamwork

by | Oct 24, 2023 | Employee Engagement, Integrity, Leadership, Psychological safety, Strengths

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Unpacking the Strength of Teamwork

group of hands showing teamwork

Teamwork is one of the three character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Justice.

Justice describes strengths that help you connect in community or group-based situations.

What is teamwork?

Teamwork means that in team situations you are committed to contributing to the team’s success. The team could be a work group or a sports team, but it could also refer to your family, marriage, or even a group of friends working on a project together. 

Teamwork extends to being a good citizen of your community or country, and more broadly to a sense of social responsibility for particular groups of people or even all of humanity. In other words, the person high in teamwork applies a certain way of acting in whatever context they consider themselves committed to the good of the group as a whole. 

Most commonly, however, this strength refers to you being a dedicated, reliable, and contributing member to your small group or team. 

Teamwork is closely related to 3 other concepts:

  • Citizenship: responsibility toward one’s community
  • Loyalty: unwavering trust for a group
  • Patriotism: loyalty toward one’s homeland/nation without hostility toward other nations

Why is teamwork of value?

  • Teamwork fosters a sense of connectedness and enhances meaning through shared purpose.
  • Those high in teamwork elicit and experience a higher level of social trust and have a more positive view of others.
  • Teamwork is one of the strengths most associated with sustainable behaviour ie behaviour that aims to protect the social and physical environment. 

A couple of questions to consider

  • What is most gratifying to you about being part of a team?
  • What is most challenging to you about being part of a team?

Some things that you can do to practise teamwork

  • Savour a positive team interaction from the past by replaying it in your mind and then sharing it at a team meeting. 
  • Volunteer for a community project or a good social cause in the area where you live or work.
  • The next time someone close to you conveys that they are having a problem, ask if the two of you can approach the problem together as a team and work through it with them to find a solution. 

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

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

QUICK RESOURCE LINKS

Ridgeline HR

Engage for Success

Appreciative Inquiry

PERMAH

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Thinking about the Strength of Gratitude

Thinking about the Strength of Gratitude

by | Oct 3, 2023 | Coaching, Integrity, Leadership, Psychological safety, Strengths

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Thinking about the Strength of Gratitude

flashing neon sign

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)

CONTACT US

PosWork

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

info@poswork.com.au

0438 533 311

QUICK RESOURCE LINKS

Ridgeline HR

Engage for Success

Appreciative Inquiry

PERMAH

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Why you need an EVP

Why you need an EVP

by | Jul 6, 2023 | Employee Engagement, Integrity, Leadership, Purpose, Strategic Narrative, Strengths, Values, Wellbeing

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Why you need an EVP

meeting

We hear employers everywhere telling us that they need more and better people which is no surprise given that we have been having very low unemployment rates and there are chronic skills shortages in so many sectors for lots of reasons. 

So what can a business do about that to get an advantage over competitors in the labour market?

You need an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) which essentially answers the question (in a positive way): “Why would I want to work for you?”

Here are several reasons why having a compelling EVP is important:

  1. Attracting top talent: A strong EVP helps you stand out from other employers and attract highly skilled individuals. Job seekers are increasingly looking for more than just financial compensation. They seek opportunities for growth, life balance, a positive work environment, and a sense of purpose. By clearly articulating your value proposition, you can appeal to the aspirations and needs of potential candidates.
  2. Retention of employees: A well-defined EVP can help retain your existing employees. When employees feel valued and connected to and understand what they like about working in your business, they are more likely to stay.
  3. Employee engagement and productivity: When employees feel that their needs and aspirations are aligned with the organisation’s goals, they become more committed and motivated. They are more likely to go above and beyond in their work, leading to higher productivity and better outcomes.
  4. Cost savings: Investing in a strong EVP can result in cost savings in the long run. By attracting and retaining the right talent, you can reduce turnover, save on hiring expenses and training costs, and maintain a more stable and productive workforce.
  5. Cultural alignment: An EVP helps attract individuals who align with your organizational culture and values. When employees share common values, it fosters a sense of belonging and creates a positive work environment. This, in turn, enhances collaboration, teamwork, and overall organizational effectiveness.

So there are lots of reasons why having an EVP makes good business sense (just as having the right value proposition for your customers does).

Of course, it has to be real or it will just create contradictions which can be far more damaging than not having an EVP at all.

 

Want to know more about how we can help you define your EVP and make it real? 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

QUICK RESOURCE LINKS

Ridgeline HR

Engage for Success

Appreciative Inquiry

PERMAH

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Is forgiveness divine?

Is forgiveness divine?

by | Jul 6, 2023 | Employee Engagement, Integrity, Purpose, Stories, Strategic Narrative, Strengths, Values, Wellbeing

Blogs and Stories

Is forgiveness divine?

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“To err is human, to forgive divine”. That famous quotation from celebrated English poet, Alexander Pope

Did you know that having an attitude of forgiveness has many positive effects on our mental health and wellbeing?

Let’s explore those.

  1. Emotional well-being: Forgiveness frees you from the burden of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and bitterness. By letting go of grudges, you release yourself from the emotional pain associated with holding onto past grievances. This can contribute to improved mental and emotional well-being.

  2. Reduced stress: Holding onto anger and resentment can lead to chronic stress, which negatively affects both your physical and mental health. Forgiveness helps to alleviate this stress by promoting a sense of peace and acceptance. It allows you to move forward without carrying the weight of past grievances.

  3. Improved relationships: Forgiving others can strengthen your relationships. Holding onto grudges creates a barrier between you and the person you’re holding a grudge against. By practicing forgiveness, you open the door for reconciliation and improved communication. It fosters empathy and understanding, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

  4. Personal growth: Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It requires introspection and self-reflection, as it encourages you to examine your own emotions and reactions. By choosing forgiveness, you demonstrate emotional maturity and resilience, which can help you navigate future conflicts more effectively.

  5. Health benefits: Studies have shown that forgiveness has positive effects on physical health. Letting go of grudges and cultivating forgiveness has been associated with lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, improved immune system function, and decreased levels of depression and anxiety. Forgiveness contributes to overall well-being by promoting a healthier mind and body.

  6. Inner peace and happiness: Forgiveness allows you to find inner peace and happiness. By releasing negative emotions and letting go of past hurts, you create space for positive emotions such as love, compassion, and joy. It helps you to live in the present moment and focus on building a brighter future, unburdened by the weight of the past.

  7. Spiritual and moral growth: Forgiveness is often seen as a virtue in many spiritual and religious traditions. It aligns with principles such as compassion, kindness, and mercy. Cultivating forgiveness can contribute to your spiritual and moral growth by helping you develop a greater sense of empathy, understanding, and acceptance towards others.

Remember that forgiveness is a personal journey, and it doesn’t mean condoning or forgetting the actions of others. It is about freeing yourself from the negative impact of those actions and choosing to move forward with a lighter heart and a more compassionate mindset.

Want to know more about how we can help you with workplace wellbeing? 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

QUICK RESOURCE LINKS

Ridgeline HR

Engage for Success

Appreciative Inquiry

PERMAH

ShareTree

VIA Character Strengths

Communities of Wellbeing

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It starts with why

It starts with why

by | Jun 27, 2023 | Change, Integrity, Purpose, Strategic Narrative, Uncategorized, Values

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It starts with why

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We love Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle and use it as the starting point for developing a strategy on pretty much anything from an overall business plan to program design and workshops and communications and social media etc. We start with “WHY” and then move to “HOW” and “WHAT” and then we add on “WHERE” and “WHEN”.

Here is a bit of background on the theory behind his Golden Circle model.

Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle is a concept he introduced in his book and TED Talk titled “Start With Why.” The Golden Circle provides a framework for understanding the fundamental drivers behind successful individuals, organizations, and movements. It consists of three concentric circles: Why, How, and What.

  1. Why: At the core of the Golden Circle is the question of “Why?” Sinek argues that truly exceptional leaders and organizations start with a clear sense of purpose or belief—why they exist and why they do what they do. The “Why” represents the underlying motivation and values that inspire action and resonate with people on a deeper level.
  2. How: The next circle is “How.” This represents the unique approach or guiding principles through which an organization or individual pursues their purpose. It involves the actions, strategies, and processes that differentiate them from others in achieving their goals.
  3. What: The outermost circle is “What.” This refers to the tangible results or products an organization produces or the services they provide. It represents the visible outputs, such as the products they sell or the tasks they perform.

Sinek’s key proposition is that most organizations communicate from the outside in, starting with the “What” and moving towards the “Why.” However, he suggests that truly influential leaders and organizations communicate from the inside out, starting with the “Why” and moving towards the “What.” By focusing on the “Why” and effectively communicating their purpose, they can inspire others and build deep loyalty and engagement.

The research behind Sinek’s Golden Circle draws on various fields such as psychology, biology, and neuroscience. Sinek highlights the importance of the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for emotions, decision-making, and behavior—in influencing human behavior and decision-making. He argues that by appealing to the emotional “Why,” leaders can tap into the part of the brain that drives loyalty, engagement, and trust.

While Sinek’s concept is not based on a specific scientific study, it synthesizes research findings and provides a practical framework that resonates with many people, offering insights into effective leadership, communication, and building successful organizations.

 

Want to know more about how we can help you to find your WHY? 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

QUICK RESOURCE LINKS

Ridgeline HR

Engage for Success

Appreciative Inquiry

PERMAH

ShareTree

VIA Character Strengths

Communities of Wellbeing

LET'S HAVE A CHAT