The Suncoast ASTD OD Sig met with Lisa Jacobson, from Univ. of Pennsylvania, who is working with Dr. Martin Seligman, Chairman of the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center.
Lisa’s presentation focused on how the hard science of positive psychology research can help to create:
a. better thinking, judgment, deductive reasoning and creativity
b. durably strong personal and interpersonal climates.
She emphasized that some people still think of positive psychology as “fairy dust and rainbows”, instead of the science-based psychological equivalent of creating good physical health, and taking research-proven preventative measures to maintain it.
Positive mental states broaden and build performance, while negative mental states tighten and narrow functioning.
Lisa presented many studies showing how positive emotions and a sense of well-being create everything from better test performance, to greater creativity, responsiveness, better judgments, wider perspectives and better thinking.
One study made me resolve to stay away from miserable doctors. The results showed that positive doctors made significantly better diagnoses, with better thinking processes behind them.
This science applies to the 21st century wealth-creating organization. It shows how we have the hard science to create environments, attitudes and circumstances which lead to durable improvements in knowledge and intellectual resources. We can support better deductive and creative thought, and more expansive, tolerant and innovative people networks.
Visit the Center at <http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu> . Their many tests are free (we did the Signature Strengths Questionnaire) and could be great tools for team or individual learning activities.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Great talking with you,I know I have met a great friend.