Wildcat Connection July 2018 | Page 34

Mandy Marney

Director,

Community

Development

The Wlldcat District team is amazing! Many of you who are volunteers and community members can attest to the innovative educational programs, activities, and one-on-one sessions with agents. The momentum in our district happens in large part due to the teamwork. It is important to recognize what happens when we work on increasing our potential and success together. According to author Shawn Achor, who specializes in positive psychology, when we become "positive nodes" in our workplace or community, and help those around us improve their creativity, productivity, abilities and performance, we are not only helping the group become better, we are exponentially increasing our own potential for success.

Based on more than 40 research studies, Anchor says we now know that there is a clear path to achieving more success in life while finding more meaning and happiness. With this research in mind, Achor outlines five steps called “SEEDS” that lead to big potential. They are:

Surround yourself with positive outliers. This allows you to create a star system instead of trying to be a superstar alone.

Extend power to others. This allows you to take the burden of change off your shoulders and let others shine while you focus on your strengths.

Enhance others using prism praise. Instead of trying to raise others up using comparison praise (you’re so much smarter than the other kids), focus on praise that builds up the individual and the supporters that got them there.

Defend the gains. In a hyperconnected world, we need to build up our emotional immune system so that we are not overwhelmed by people seeking small potential.

Sustain the momentum. Find ways in which you can help create collective momentum so that it is easier to maintain growth.

Keep in mind, almost every attribute of your potential, from intelligence and creativity to leadership, personality, and engagement, is interconnected with others. Let's keep working together Wildcat District! We will continue to find success as we encourage each other and stay connected as a team!

TEAMWORK = SUCCESS

Want more information about Shawn Achor's research?

Check out his books entitled:

Big Potential,

The Happiness Advantage and Before Happiness.