“For these reasons, Lewis’s timely and accessible book will be useful to business leaders and introductory audiences interested less in the science behind positive psychology and appreciative inquiry than in its ready application to the organizational setting.” (PsycCRITIQUES, 11 July 2012)
“Overall, this is a very readable book, of more interest to the business and organisation leader than to the practising psychologist, for whom the lack of detailed referencing and methodological evaluation would be problematic. However, if, like me, you are not versed in the psychology of work or for that matter, positive psychology, but you do have a practical interest in how organisations (don’t) work, maybe simply as an employee, then this book is a very readable introductory text with lots of ideas for activities and reflective activities as well as further reading.” (BPS South-West Review, Spring 2012)
“Highly recommended. Business collections serving lower-division undergraduates and above.” (Choice, 1 November 2011)
“Overall, I would recommend this book to postgraduate researchers, consultants and senior managers who are serious about wanting to invest the time to learn more about the use of positive psychology and appreciate inquiry to improve organisations.” (The Psychologist, 1 October 2011)
“I believe this book will quickly become a classic reference text. In just over 200 pages Lewis has produced a content rich, accessible work that readers will want to revisit regularly. And I’ve no doubt they will be pleasantly surprised at how much fresh information they glean each time they do.” People Management, April 11
“Overall, this is a very readable book, of more interest to the business and organisation leader than to the practising psychologist, for whom the lack of detailed referencing and methodological evaluation would be problematic. However, if, like me, you are not versed in the psychology of work or for that matter, positive psychology, but you do have a practical interest in how organisations (don’t) work, maybe simply as an employee, then this book is a very readable introductory text with lots of ideas for activities and reflective activities as well as further reading.” BPS South-West Review, Spring 2012
This book offers an inspiring and exciting way forward for work organizations. It shows how we can enhance organizational effectiveness through promoting the well-being and efficacy of the people who make up business organizations: the staff. Grounded in psychology and management research, the book offers leaders, practitioners and employees a clear agenda for creating positive and appreciative cultures that promote performance.
―Mike West, Executive Dean and Professor of Psychology, Aston University, UK.
Positive Psychology at Work is a much needed book that lifts the lid on how a more appreciative, strengths-focused approach can transform organisations for the better. When organisations and their leaders focus on enhancing the best of what their people have to offer, they enable them to achieve the goals for which they strive, at the same time building the resilience they will need to cope with the changes and challenges of the modern world. I strongly recommend this book for organisational leaders and those who strive to support them.
―Alex Linley, Founding Director, Capp, UK
From the Inside Flap
Positive psychology is a rapidly growing branch of psychology focused on ways to enhance human wellbeing, happiness and longevity. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a well-established organizational development methodology that fosters the same attributes.
By drawing together the most up-to-date research from these previously distinct fields, Positive Psychology at Work introduces a powerful new approach to achieving organizational excellence while revealing new perspectives on the challenges of leadership. Keeping technical psychology jargon to a minimum, the author provides organizational leaders and managers of all levels with an understanding of positive psychology theory and practice and shows how its techniques can be applied to their specific workplace settings. The book reveals the most recent research and practice findings on such topics as positivity, flourishing organizations, flow, strengths, positive energy networks, transformational collaboration, psychological capital and authentic leadership.
Chapters specifically address: workplaces, relationships, leadership and change, engagement and performance, decision-making, communication and organizational transformation. Brief case studies and a series of helpful practical tips throughout the book illuminate key points and further enhance clarity. Accessible and enlightening, Positive Psychology at Work offers ground-breaking insights into the hottest topics in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
From the Back Cover
Positive psychology is a rapidly growing branch of psychology focused on ways to enhance human wellbeing, happiness and longevity. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a well-established organizational development methodology that fosters the same attributes.
By drawing together the most up-to-date research from these previously distinct fields, Positive Psychology at Work introduces a powerful new approach to achieving organizational excellence while revealing new perspectives on the challenges of leadership. Keeping technical psychology jargon to a minimum, the author provides organizational leaders and managers of all levels with an understanding of positive psychology theory and practice and shows how its techniques can be applied to their specific workplace settings. The book reveals the most recent research and practice findings on such topics as positivity, flourishing organizations, flow, strengths, positive energy networks, transformational collaboration, psychological capital and authentic leadership.
Chapters specifically address: workplaces, relationships, leadership and change, engagement and performance, decision-making, communication and organizational transformation. Brief case studies and a series of helpful practical tips throughout the book illuminate key points and further enhance clarity. Accessible and enlightening, Positive Psychology at Work offers ground-breaking insights into the hottest topics in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
About the Author
Sarah Lewis is an Associated Fellow of the British Psychological Society, a Principal Member of the Association of Business Psychologists and the Managing Director of Appreciating Change, where she works as a facilitator and consultant. She is the lead author of Appreciative Inquiry for Change Management (2007).