Satisfied employees are no coincidence
- MICE news
Today we want to go a step further and not only look at individual life satisfaction, but also raise the question: how does work have to be designed so that we are motivated, meaningful and satisfied in our professional activities in the long term?
Based on the foundations of Positive Psychology, an innovative science that explores what makes life worth living and keeps us satisfied in the long term, numerous scientists and economists developed the concept of "Positive Leadership". Positive leadership (or leading with purpose) is a positive style of leadership that empowers employees to contribute and develop personally. This requires an atmosphere in the company in which everyone can systematically grasp, contribute and develop their strengths, overcome their own limitations and jointly pursue a (corporate) vision with skill and enthusiasm.
The basis is the PERMA model developed by Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology. It explains the conditions for success for a satisfied life on the basis of 5 essential characteristics, which can also be transferred to work and leadership style.
1. Positive emotions (P)
The regular experience of positive emotions such as gratitude, optimism, appreciation or confidence is considered an essential factor for the well-being of every person and has a great influence on the work and leadership culture. The better we manage our emotions (and those of others), the more stress-resistant and team-oriented we are.
2. Engagement (E)
People are more satisfied - whether in their private or professional lives - the more they are aware of their strengths, are committed to using them consistently and regularly enter so-called flow states. Flow occurs when complex tasks are carried out in the right balance of power between overload and underload. The topics of empowerment, self-motivation and self-efficacy also play a major role here.
3. Relationships (R - Relationships)
To be part of a social network or team, to be able to rely on others and also to be of use to them, in short, to be part of positive relationships is considered one of the most important satisfaction drivers of all. It is important to maintain relationships with each other through good communication and to implement teamwork well.
4. Meaning (M - Meaning)
In Focus E (Engagement), the focus was already on the character strengths of each person. If people can additionally use the above-mentioned strengths for a higher purpose, in which they recognise and experience meaningfulness, this is another big step towards a fulfilled life - in work and everyday life. The various levels of "finding meaning", especially in the entrepreneurial and work-related context, as well as the commitment to social, ecological and also political issues, therefore play a major role when it comes to how satisfied we are with our lives - but also with our work.
5. Goals/Achievements (A)
Having goals and achieving them regularly leads to increased self-esteem, more satisfaction, increased well-being and a greater sense of happiness and is thus essential for long-term life satisfaction. Regardless of whether at work or in everyday life. Knowing the importance and the essence of meaningful goals is therefore indispensable for our well-being.
Numerous studies show: with PERMA leadership, employees experience less stress at work, the burn-out rate is significantly lower, they experience more joy at work, are less suspicious, have a higher frustration tolerance, are measurably healthier and can switch off and relax better after work. In addition, employees are flexible, supportive, adapt better to organisational changes, are committed beyond the scope of their tasks, and show a high level of motivation and commitment to the company. And: all these effects can also be measured in the managers.
We will be happy to provide you with helpful ideas, strategies and further tips on how exactly these findings can be implemented in everyday work and management behaviour.
You want to learn more? For example, about how conferences, congresses and events can be organised in such a way that they are good for all participants? And the environment and society as well? No problem - we have a lot to say about that, too. We promise. We'll be reading you here again soon.
