Building Flourishing Communities with Positive Psychology

The Sonya Looney Show

What is a flourishing community? What does it look like and how do we build it?

Last week, I started my Master's in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. And after my first intensive, I'm already in awe of the power of community building made available to us when we engage in communication, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

I was surrounded by classmates from diverse backgrounds who quickly transformed into an incredible community in just five days and I want to share some insights into the program's dynamic facilitation that made it all possible.

This program already holds a special place in my heart, in part because it's guided by the wisdom of one of the field's pioneers, Professor Marty Seligman. Witnessing him embrace lifelong learning and flexibility at the age of 80 was powerful. He sets an incredible example of finding meaning and purpose in aging and I found it invigorating - I hope the same for my future.

So, what have I learned so far? I had the pleasure of speaking with one of my brilliant classmates, Ilene Schaffer, to dig into our community toolkits. We explore essential themes such as trust, vulnerability, humility, and the profound impact of recognizing each other's unique strengths. Our conversation also touches upon positive communication, collaboration's triumph over competition, and the enduring value of lifelong learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust and Psychological Safety: Establishing an intimate, safe environment through communication from day one can foster vulnerability and authentic connections in the long run.
• Leadership and Humility: Discover the importance of leaders modeling humility and willingness to learn from others, even in positions of authority.
• Strength-Based Approach: How to recognize the individual capabilities of each person in order to understand how they complement one another, and you.
• Collaboration Triumphs: Understand why fostering teamwork over competition is the key to collective success and a thriving community.
• Plus, Power of Positive Introductions: Hear tips for elevating this seemingly simple process to rapidly deepen connections within a group and build a strong sense of community.

Links:

• Listen to Ilene's podcast, What's Possible
• Learn how to be a better communicator
• Interested in stories about building community? Check out this episode with author and runner Charlie Engle
• Become one of my clients! Health Coaching | Mental Performance Coaching
• Enroll in my Moxy & Grit Mindset Academy
• Check out my newsletter for productivity, mindset, and mental skills