DaveShearon

Positive Psychology at Harvard and in the Wall Street Journal

Positive Psychology's getting lots of press in the last week.  First, there's this Boston Globe article about that "Positve Psychology" at Harvard has enrolled 855 students and is the single largest class at the university.  Then, the Wall Street Journal, had Happiness, Inc. (subscribers only) that includes information on how David's Bridal, the nation's biggest bridal store chain, and workplace of one of my MAPP classmate (hi, Jen!), has used to help staffers and found that sales improved!  In January of 2005, Positive Psychology was the cover

Appreciative Inquiry

David Cooperrider, developer of Appreciative Inquiry was the guest speaker in our Organizational Leadership class this weekend.  Really interesting.  Especially that it really grew out of being aware of what was happening in a field experience.  In other words, he didn't go out and develop it.  He saw something happening and had the sense to see that it was different and to think about it, then go with it.  And then it began to fit with theory, and more theory developed, and mechanisms were developed, tested and improved.  And now it's a VERY different approach to large-scale change in organizations.

Building the Bridge as You Walk on It

I'm almost finished with Building the Bridge as You Walk on It by Robert Quinn.  The subtitle is "A Guide to Leading Change."  However, if you think you're not interested, think again.  Quinn's approach and thinking are so different that executives come up after his programs and say, "I only wish I'd learned this when my children were young!"  And, Dr. Quinn finds his insights to be applicable to parenting, also.  He shares, with their permission, an experience with both his son and his daughter in the book, and what they wrote about those experiences.  The experience with his daughter came as they dealt with a breakup with a boyfriend, and from it she found purpose in her life, increased peace, poise, and success at work and in relationships! 

Also, if you'd like to know why the superintendent of almost any major school system in this country is NOT a "change agent", read the story of the executive that attended one of Dr. Quinn's week-long workshops that is in Chapter Nine on "Authentic Engagement."  (The story of the Mom with a daughter who didn't like homework that opens that chapter is powerful, also!)

What good is a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology?

Miriam, in a comment, has asked:

Feb. 2006, What are you doing (employment) with your Master of Applied Positive Psy? I am a teacher in Alaska and am very interested in the OTHER job possibilities for this Masters .
I'm 56 and want a change. How has your journey been and where are you in your quest for education?

Short answer:  I don't know yet.

Longer answer:  The MAPP degree is recognition of both study and practice in understanding and applying the findings of positive psychology in the business or professional venues.  I've been assessing what I think I will come out of this program with, and the answers include:

• A broad and correct (straight from the minds of some of the best in the field) grasp of what is happening in positive psychology research and implementation today
• A basic understanding of the current state of social science research and the ability to continue to read new studies as they come out, place them in context, get a sense of what each means, and integrate that knowledge in my own framework
• Experience with applied positive psychology in both individual and organizational settings
• Relationships I'll be able to call on both with the leading researchers who have taught in the program and with my classmates (a pretty formidable group!)
• A credential that will at least be recognized (and likely thought well of) by many that I have not yet met in the field of positive psychology when I meet them or need to contact them in the future
• A chance of being called in when my particular experience and knowledge makes me a good fit for some situation that the instructors in these courses may come across
• Sufficient knowledge and skills to start to apply positive psychology immediately in my fields

Over the longer term, I think the meaning and value of a MAPP will depend on what those of us in this class, and those who complete the program over the next few years, do with it.  As we contribute solid work in our fields, the MAPP program will receive credit and the value of the degree will go up.

But, you should understand it is not a credential for any sort of licensure and, at least so far, I haven't seen employers lining up with job descriptions listing "MAPP" as a requirement!  Those who participate in this program get a wonderful chance to get in on building the ground floor of something really important both individually and to organizations and communities.  But, since you're helping design and build from the ground up, you just can't walk in, push a button, and ride the elevator up a few floors!  It'll take creativity, imagination, vitality, and a certain amount of risk-taking to translate the opportunity represented by the MAPP program into real changes in your life.  But, I think I can say with confidence that you, personally, are far likelier to be in a position to exercise those qualities as a result of your experience in the program. 

Good luck to any who are thinking about this program, and don't hesitate to contact me!