Apr 14 Positive Mindset for Phenomenal Leadership Results
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Recently I had the honor of meeting Dr. Martin Seligman, author of Learned Optimism. He was speaking on his unique concept of psychological well-being, which he refers to by the acronym PERMA. The PERMA model he developed identifies five of the most essential elements of mindset and wellness.
Let’s take a closer look at the insightful and practical PERMA Model and some of my own thoughts on why it is so valuable.
Positive Emotions
Dr. Seligman has found that positive psychology is actually more important than IQ. I think that’s largely because conventional IQ tests do not measure emotional intelligence.
You can be the biggest genius on earth, but if you are a negative person nobody will want to work with you.
Engagement
Being positive is a priceless soft skill, and it can help you overcome so many perceived shortcomings to win, even against smarter competitors.
Keep your mind engaged with what you do that’s valuable and what you really want out of life – not on your shortcomings – and charge ahead. Build on your leadership strengths, rather than focusing on what you are not that good at or dwelling too much on your weaknesses.
Relationships
Life is about relationships, and if yours are healthy and rewarding, your life will be both personally and professionally fulfilling and successful. Keep them aligned, as your first priority.
As a leader, you should also realize that whatever you do to improve your relationships is a golden asset you can start to teach to those you lead. That ensures high performance, more productive teamwork.
Meaning
Those types of mentoring relationships will give your life and career real meaning. Having a meaningful purpose when you wake up every day will give you incredible energy, focus, and drive.
Seek out meaning in everything you do, and let it help guide your executive decisions. The more you derive authentic meaning from your leadership, the more others will naturally want to follow you and emulate your example and legacy.
Achievement/Accomplishment
If you will just act and start getting things done that will multiply your confidence and positive outlook. Nothing boosts our morale, credibility, and confidence like measurable desired outcomes.
You have to let go of whatever is holding you back and just step out there into your discomfort zone. Once you do that momentum will aid you and achievement will be the result. That’s how you build a legacy that will stand the test of time!
Predictable Promotion™ Exercise
- Using the PERMA model, write down at least one leadership trait you display that adheres to the elements of Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
- Now review the list again, and write down a least one or two steps you can take this year to add to those qualities or let go of negativity that is acting as an obstacle to your personal PERMA model.
Let me know what you come up with and your own thoughts about PERMA. I’d love to hear what you think of this interesting theory!
As a pioneering and visionary innovator, Sarah is a certified image master (CIM) and brand strategist, speaker, trainer and author. Her company, Illustra Consulting, provides leading-edge image and brand management strategies for top leaders and high achievers who wish to take their career to the next level. She also delivers innovative and inspiring corporate workshops to assist large organizations in strengthening their corporate brand.
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Copyright © 2015, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIM, CPBS 1-800-267-3245, [email protected]
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Sarah Hathorn, CEO of Hathorn Consulting Group, is the go-to-expert in working with leaders and companies to create successful corporate DNA. As an executive coach, consultant and speaker she collaborates globally with clients and brands such as Deloitte, McKesson, Kimberly-Clark, Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot and other leading organizations.
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