I feel happy, oh so happy!

Blimey, it is all doom and gloom at the moment isn't it?

Martin Seliman, psychologist and Positive Psychology guru, believes (and he is far from alone in this) that ‘Optimism and hope cause better resistance to depression when bad events strike, better performance at work, particularly in challenging jobs, and better physical health’

But can you learn to be more optimistic? Do you actually want to or it is more satisfying to hide under the duvet right now? Are we all just 'getting real' (see previous posts for how much I hate that expression).

Despite acknowledging his own inate grumpiness, Seligman believes that we can all learn to become 'attentive optimists' rather than blank eyed shiny, happy people.

It is a question of discernement. Taking credit where it is due for good events, not seeing them as proof of your own brilliance or never-ending good fortune. Accepting responsibility when things go wrong and seeing what can be learnt.

Research consistantly shows that optimists live longer than pesimists. In a long, happy life this current turmoil will be nothing more than a minor blip.

And if you need a daily fix of good news then there is no better place than Eazibee's blog http://reasonstobehopeful.blogspot.com/ and I think there is still time to vote for it in the Blogger's Choice awards.

Sensitive Little Flower

Business culture has long thrived on cultivating toughness and rewarding those who are outgoing and gregarious. (Of course, these are not always the qualities that are obvious in my favourite Level 5 leader type, but more on that below and, no doubt, above).

Qualities of sensitivity are generally regarded as negative, limiting an individual's potential and having a detrimental effect on their sociability.

But what are we missing here? It is estimated that around 1 in 5 of us have highly sensitive traits. Their sensitivity can make them highly aware of subtleties in their environment, of changes that the less sensitive do not notice and of possibilities that can easily be overlooked. It can be an asset if used..and protected.

Who are the sensitive little flowers in your organisation and how can you unlock their potential.