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Martin Seligman’s Learned Optimism was an eye-opener. The ABCDE model became a favourite reframing technique since most of the coaching value arises from reframing.
Seligman developed the PERMA model as a far more powerful engagement model for work-life quality enhancement. While the ABCDE framework establishes a process to reframe and evoke awareness, PERMA is a Spiritual Intelligence framework that helps us to create a value system for us to work with to sustain happiness in work-life situations.
5 elements of PERMA
- Positive Emotions
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning, and
- Accomplishment
Each of these 5 is a value goal to work towards to achieve a final state of happiness and fulfillment. Even if it’s a cliche, it is true that coaching, whether executive, career or business, at its core, is about life coaching. PERMA is a powerful framework for work-life coaching systemically and spiritually.
Positive Emotions: The Fuel for Innovation
Let’s reflect a bit on what we achieve by being unhappy, sad, frustrated or angry. The situation may make us feel these emotions, but to allow them to continue serves no purpose. None of these emotions help resolve the problems causing these emotions. Paraphrasing Einstein, “One can never find a solution to a problem with the same state of mind in which the problem arose.” One must shift to a positive state of mind from a negative one to resolve what we are feeling negative about.
Positive emotions aren’t just about feeling good; they’re a catalyst for creativity, resilience, and problem-solving. Research in neuroscience shows that positive emotions broaden our thought-action brain resources, allowing for more flexible and innovative thinking.
In coaching, fostering a culture of positivity can lead to:
- Increased adaptability in the face of challenges
- Enhanced creativity and out-of-the-box solutions
- Improved team morale and reduced burnout
Some team activities that are useful in systemic executive team leadership coaching are:
- Sharing transformative positive experiences
- Implement appreciation circles
- Journaling of daily positive experiences
- Success Wall to showcase team and individual achievements
Engagement: Be Present
Engagement, or “flow,” is that state where time seems to fly by because we’re fully absorbed in a task. It’s the sweet spot between challenge and skill. In the context of executive coaching, promoting engagement means:
- Aligning individual strengths with organizational goals
- Creating opportunities for skill development and growth
- Fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning
Neurological research shows that during states of flow, the brain experiences a temporary deactivation of the prefrontal cortex, reducing self-consciousness and allowing for heightened focus and performance.
Some ways to promote engagement are:
- Conducting assessments to align roles with talents and aptitude
- Implementing flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual peak performance times
- Offering stretch assignments to challenge and grow skills
Relationships: Collaborative in Success
Strong, positive relationships are crucial for both individual well-being and team effectiveness. In executive coaching, emphasis on relationships translates to:
- Developing emotional intelligence and empathy in leaders
- Facilitating open communication and trust-building exercises
- Creating mentorship and peer support programs
The hormone oxytocin, often called the nurturing hormone, plays a key role in building trust and cooperation. Team-building activities that promote positive interactions can boost oxytocin levels, leading to stronger team cohesion.
To build better relationships:
- Organize regular team-building activities
- Implement a buddy system for new hires
- Encourage cross-departmental projects to build broader networks
Meaning: Personal Purpose aligns with Organizational Vision
Finding meaning in work is essential for long-term motivation and satisfaction. Executive coaches can help teams discover meaning by:
- Clarifying and communicating the organization’s mission and values
- Helping individuals connect their values to their work
- Encouraging a sense of purpose beyond profit
Psychological studies show that employees who find their work meaningful are more engaged, perform better, and are less likely to leave their jobs.
To enhance meaning:
- Facilitate workshops on personal and organizational values alignment
- Share customer success stories to reinforce the impact
- Encourage volunteering and corporate social responsibility initiatives
Accomplishment: Celebrate Progress to Set New Heights
A sense of achievement is crucial for maintaining motivation and building confidence. In executive coaching, this involves:
- Setting clear, challenging yet attainable goals
- Implementing systems for tracking and celebrating progress
- Encouraging a growth mindset that values effort and learning
The neurotransmitter dopamine, associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we achieve goals. By breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, coaches can help teams experience regular wins, boosting motivation and performance.
Increase Accomplishment with:
- SMART OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for clear goal-setting
- System for peer recognition
- Microlearning opportunities for continuous skill development
A Vision for the Future: Coaching for Holistic Success
The contemporary business environment presents intricate challenges that often render traditional coaching methodologies inadequate. By strategically integrating the profound insights of Martin Seligman’s PERMA model – encompassing Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment – with the dynamic principles of systemic coaching and the wisdom of spiritual intelligence, organizations can unlock unprecedented levels of performance, foster groundbreaking innovation, and cultivate an environment where well-being flourishes.
This holistic approach transcends the mere pursuit of business outcomes; it cultivates a work environment that is not only highly successful but also profoundly fulfilling and sustainable. As executive coaches, we possess the unique privilege of guiding leaders and their teams towards a future where success and well-being are inextricably intertwined, creating a harmonious and thriving organizational ecosystem.
Coacharya’s leadership development and coach training programs empower you with the knowledge and skills to implement the PERMA Model and foster a culture of well-being and high performance. Visit the Coacharya website to explore our programs and embark on a transformative journey towards holistic leadership.
(Originally published on Coaching the Spirit – a LinkedIn Newsletter by Ram S. Ramanathan: 5 Positive Psychology Steps to Mastery in Coaching)