What positive psychology strategies can you use to build a sense of community in your client's work life?
As a career counselor, you know how important it is for your clients to feel connected and supported in their work life. A sense of community can boost their motivation, engagement, satisfaction, and well-being. But how can you help them cultivate it, especially in times of uncertainty and change? In this article, we will explore some positive psychology strategies that you can use to build a sense of community in your client's work life.
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Ivan LeeRegistered Clinical Psychologist (MSCP, MAHPC, SRP) - Specialized in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and…
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Daisy Wright, ACC, CCDP, CCTC, CWS, ACGChief Encouragement Officer & Award-winning Certified Coach helping emerging leaders, executives and mid-level…
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Julieta ValergaPeople Analyst Sr | Talent Advisor | Talent Acquisition IT | People Analytics | Asesoría en Empleabilidad | Procesos de…
One of the core principles of positive psychology is to focus on what is right rather than what is wrong. By helping your clients identify and leverage their strengths, you can help them find more meaning and value in their work, as well as contribute to their team and organization. You can use tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey or the CliftonStrengths Assessment to help your clients discover their unique talents and abilities. Then, you can coach them on how to use their strengths to achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and collaborate with others.
Another positive psychology strategy that can foster a sense of community is to express gratitude and appreciation. Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful for what you have, while appreciation is the act of showing or telling someone that you value them. Both can enhance your client's relationships, morale, and happiness at work. You can encourage your clients to practice gratitude and appreciation by keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes, giving feedback, celebrating successes, or simply saying thank you more often.
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A simple "thank you" regardless which field you are in, has the ability to make one's day. While that is true, a word of advice to all; it's always recommended to be specific to what you wish to express your gratitude and appreciation about. For instance, parents can provide such feedback by giving specific example (e.g., I like that you are being so polite!), rather than a general quote (e.g., good boy!). Not limiting to parenting, it's no different in other settings including workplace, romantic relationship, or even to random stranger you see. The more we practice, the better we will be, not just in expressing, but also receiving. Perhaps one day, we will live in a world where praising others feel as natural as breathing.
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I greatly appreciate you for reading these insights on gratitude and appreciation expressed. There is so much to appreciate in detail and wonder. I look on in wonder when a bird flies. I appreciate the travel when my airplane soars and my car goes. Beauty is to be appreciated in all we see when we live our life with meaning and purpose. Even our mistakes have purpose to appreciate. Sharing that with others brings joy in life! You are appreciated!
A third positive psychology strategy that can build a sense of community is to create and share positive stories. Stories are powerful ways to communicate, inspire, and connect with others. They can also shape your client's perspective and attitude towards their work. By creating and sharing positive stories, your clients can highlight their achievements, challenges, learnings, and aspirations. They can also acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others, and create a shared vision and identity. You can help your clients create and share positive stories by asking them to reflect on their best experiences, moments, or outcomes at work, and then share them with their colleagues, managers, or mentors.
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One of the best ways to contribute to and build a community is to share positive and uplifting stories. One could question such a statement. What if it’s a job seeker navigating the job search landscape but not having any success stories to report? Encourage such a person to look at the glass as half full; reflect on their circumstances to find one or two positive stories. Not only can those stories inspire but they could connect them with others who may have similar experiences. By sharing these stories, they are creating a sense of community that goes beyond them as individuals but foster a supportive network. When we exchange positive stories we are building and nurturing a community with a shared sense of purpose.
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Stories inspire us, they are the perfect way of conveying an underlying message which would have been difficult to put forth otherwise. Stories can help the client relive their successes and remember their achievements which is always motivating. This is a good way to provide reaffirmation to clients when they aren't feeling their confident selves.
A fourth positive psychology strategy that can strengthen a sense of community is to seek and offer support. Support is the feeling of being cared for, helped, or encouraged by others. It can also be the act of providing care, help, or encouragement to others. Support can enhance your client's resilience, confidence, and performance at work. It can also create a culture of trust, empathy, and reciprocity. You can help your clients seek and offer support by encouraging them to reach out to their network, join or create a peer group, mentor or coach someone, or volunteer for a cause.
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If we fall ill, it's almost natural that we tell our loved ones about it, and seek medical assistance from our family doctor. I assume the same is applied, if that happens to our friends and family. That itself encapsulates the concept of seeking and offering support when we or people around us face difficulties in life. What we need to remember is that when we do offer assistance and care, it should come from our genuine heart, instead of waiting and expecting the same or actions of similar value to be reciprocated onto us. Ultimately, support is unique and different from one another. We help, because we are kind. It should never be "we help, because I want others to see the kindess in me".
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Catherine Serusclat
Early Talent Development | Career Coaching | Personal & Professional Development
When I went through my own career change, I felt very alone. But very quickly I found some amazing communities to join, both online and in-real-life! Within these communities, I found friends and professional partners. So it's very important to clarify the kind of tribe you need and to look for them.
A fifth positive psychology strategy that can boost a sense of community is to engage in social activities. Social activities are any activities that involve interacting with others for fun, pleasure, or learning. They can range from casual chats and coffee breaks to team-building exercises and workshops. Social activities can increase your client's social capital, which is the value and benefits that come from having strong and diverse relationships. They can also improve your client's mood, creativity, and productivity at work. You can help your clients engage in social activities by suggesting them to initiate or participate in events, games, hobbies, or interests that they share with their coworkers or friends.
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