Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing leadership symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.
PERMA and Leadership
Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to leadership:
- Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside leadership treatment
- Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter leadership
- Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against leadership
- Meaning: Purpose that persists despite leadership
- Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing leadership
Signature Strengths and Leadership
Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust leadership intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.
Integrating Positive Psychology with Leadership Treatment
Positive psychology doesn't replace leadership treatment — it complements it. Treating leadership removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.