Learned optimism for success
Featured in the Using Emotional Intelligence at Work training manual
By Mike Bagshaw
Category: Emotional Intelligence
Credit price: 4 download credits (Single user)
This training activity comprises self-assessment, pair work, and group discussion about taking a more positive stance in our work and non-work lives. Two related approaches are covered – learned optimism and appreciative inquiry. Learned optimism is based on empirical psychological research. Appreciative inquiry has a more philosophical and social research base. Both approaches emphasise the importance of what is going well, rather than what has gone wrong. The approaches differ from the power of positive thinking in that they focus on real events. Learned optimism focuses on how we react to experiences of failure or difficulty. Appreciative inquiry focuses on building on real examples of what has gone well. Both approaches harness positive emotions as a positive force. The activities, ‘The art of letting go’ and ‘Anger control’, both build on this training activity by training specific self-motivational skills for controlling negative thoughts and handling disappointment.
A short, optimist-pessimist questionnaire is used to introduce the concept of optimism. The topic is discussed in more depth by introducing the seminal work of Martin Seligman. This leads to a self-assessment exercise, which is then discussed in pairs. Participants are asked to discuss how they can deal more effectively with negative events. Seligman’s focus is on individual psychology. Appreciative inquiry moves towards wider organisational issues. An exercise is conducted in which participants assess the ‘appreciative climate’ in their teams. They discuss what can be done to create a more positive climate for success. Asking participants to do some appreciative inquiry on themselves finishes the training activity on a high point.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to enable participants to develop a more positive and purposeful emotional response to difficulty, so they are able to build a better future for themselves and their teams.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 12 |
| Typical Duration: | 01:50:00 |
| No of Pages: | 27 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers on a range of personal development events, as well as on management change programmes, and for coaching skills training.
Download the training activity, Learned optimism for success as featured in the Fenman training manual; Using Emotional Intelligence at Work