Positive Psychology at work: a performance vector!
Increase team performance by acting on their level of well-being? Yes it's possible ! And here we will see how to act on this causal link in a positive way, both at the individual and the organizational level.
Let's start with a bit of contextualization. There is what is known as the virtuous circle of performance: more well-being leads to increased employee engagement, which in turn leads to increased performance. "Well-being" and "enterprise", often perceived as antagonistic, are actually two inseparable notions to perform. So how to operate this performance lever? A key: to rely on Positive Psychology.
Theorized in 1998 by Martin Seligman[1], Positive Psychology "represents the study of processes and conditions leading to the optimal functioning of individuals, groups and organizations". Beware, positive psychology is not positivism. It is not a question of denying the negative, but of reinforcing the positive!
A company that focuses on the weaknesses of employees, that is to say, that puts its energy to overcome its shortcomings, decreases its performance by 27%. On the other hand, a company that focuses on the strengths of employees, that is to say, who puts his energy to grow and potentiate the talents of employees increases its performance by 36%.[2]
I. Reverse the recipe for success
The recipe for success most commonly followed is this: "If I work hard then I will do better. And if I succeed better, then finally I'll be happy! This motivational formula stems from our modes of education, management and our belief system. However, this formula is scientifically invalid. Indeed, every time our brain is successful, it seeks to accomplish more and to go even further. Thus, if we rely on the motivation recipe above, the brain will never reach the level of happiness it has set itself.
In fact, scientific research shows that our brain works the opposite of this formula. It is when we increase our internal level of positivity that our brain feels what Shawn Achor[3] has called a happiness advantage. An advantage of happiness allows the brain to be 31% more productive, efficient, creative, dynamic, resilient and motivated than in negative mode.[4] It should therefore work according to the following recipe: "If I am happy, then I would be more productive, faster and more motivated. And if I'm more productive, faster and more motivated, then I'll do better. "
II. The benefits of the positive mode
Well-being leads to commitment that drives performance. The central question is therefore how to increase one's level of personal well-being and favor that of one's employees.[5][6]