Positive Management Training: Using Positive Psychology to Improve Employee Engagement

This Capstone project encompasses a 4-module training program on the topic of Positive Management. Positive Management training leverages the empirical research of positive psychology translating the theories and concepts into practical tools and techniques that managers can implement in the workplace with a focus on improving employee engagement, performance and well-being. In this paper we highlight the compelling evidence that improving both employee well-being and engagement translates into better business performance. This training program strives to encourage employee engagement, which leads to higher levels of performance and well-being. William Kahn’s three components of employee engagement – psychological meaningfulness, safety and availability – serve as the theoretical framework for the four Positive Management training modules: Positive Communications and Feedback; Managing Challenging Conversations; Strengths-Based Managing; and Optimism and Resilience. Other pertinent research that informed the workshop design process and explored employee engagement is also discussed. All four workshops were piloted to ensure their efficacy and to refine the structure. A high level overview of each workshop is included along with the results of the pilot and the evaluations received from the participants. The paper concludes with possible future directions for training modules.