Pulse May / June 2023 | Page 14

DAY ONE

KNOWLEDGE Builder SESSION

RESEARCHERS ARE TELLING US that we can expect to see more change in the next decade than we did in the past hundred years . So , consider :
l
l

The Positivity Principle : HELPING YOUR TEAM FLOURISH AND THRIVE

Now more than ever , we have a reason to worry , to feel backed up against a wall or to even wring our hands as we look for new answers to old problems . For spa leaders , some of those ever-present daily challenges are staffing , retention and engagement . Now more than ever , we have an opportunity to put on our creativity capes , along with our best possible future glasses ( not rose colored ). In our industry , that means creating a flourishing environment for both our staff who stayed and our loyal , if somewhat exhausted , clients . Which is the right perspective ? You can make a case for each , and you get to decide .
You get to choose whether you view change as a threat or an opportunity . As difficult as disruption sometimes will be , you can use scientific research to stack the uncertain odds in your favor .
THE POSITIVITY PRINCIPLE “ Positive psychology is the scientific study of “ what makes
life most worth living ,” as psychology professor Christopher Peterson wrote in Psychology Today . To dive a bit deeper , positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts , feelings and behavior , with a
focus on strengths instead of weaknesses and with the objective to build on the good in life instead of repairing the bad .
Martin Seligman , Ph . D ., who is often considered the pioneer of the positive psychology movement , coined an acronym for the five pillars that are needed to create a life where we can become our best self as we create our best future . PERMA comprises Positive emotion , Engagement , Relationships , Meaning and Accomplishments .
Using the PERMA model , here are five small steps you can take today to strengthen the foundation of your team and the future of your business :
FLOURISH IN FIVE
1 . POSITIVE EMOTION : Start each morning by sharing something positive with your team . It could be a quote , something you read in a magazine , or simply a moment of gratitude for your staff . When we begin our day with a positive mindset , our brain will want to seek out more of the same . Appreciate the good and the good will appreciate .
2 . ENGAGEMENT : If meetings are still happening online , encourage team members to keep their cameras on . It helps people to feel more connected and discourages multi-tasking ( such as cell phone scrolling .)
To foster engagement when meeting face to face , be sure your phone is out of sight and turned off . The greatest gift you can give your team is your full presence and engagement . They will notice .
3 . RELATIONSHIPS : Do you know your team ’ s favorite
flavor of coffee or tea ? Are you aware of their favorite

“ YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHETHER YOU VIEW change AS A THREAT OR AN OPPORTUNITY .”

12 PULSE n MAY / JUNE 2023