Strengthening Sales Teams with Psychological Capital: A Manager’s Role in Fostering Resilience and Performance

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Degree type
Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)
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Psychology
Subject
psychological capital, resilience, self-efficacy, hope, optimism, positive psychology, sales, leadership, performance, motivation
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2025-07-11
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Ruchi Sarnot
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Abstract

Sales is an emotionally demanding profession characterized by pressure, ambiguity and repeated rejection. While most sales development programs focus on technical skills, few address the psychological resources needed for sustainable performance. Grounded in Positive Psychology and centered on Psychological Capital (PsyCap)—a construct encompassing hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism—this capstone explores how sales managers can act not only as performance coaches, but as cultivators of psychological strength. Drawing from theoretical frameworks, academic research and personal leadership insights from a decade managing sales teams at LinkedIn, this work demonstrates how PsyCap can be developed through micro-interventions and coaching strategies. The findings underscore the power of small, intentional managerial actions in shaping team mindset, sustaining motivations and buffering against burnout. Practical structured micro-interventions, measured through tools such as the PCQ-5, are introduced to help sales managers integrate PsyCap into daily routines. This work calls for a reimagining of sales development programs—one where building Psychological Capital becomes a core leadership responsibility to cultivate both performance and resilience. Ultimately, this capstone positions psychological resource-building as essential to high performance in today’s sales environment.

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Soren, Andrew
Date of degree
2025
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