Psychological Flexibility In The Workplace

8th Nov 2010 | Comments Off on Psychological Flexibility in The Workplace Psychological Flexibility in The Workplace So many management programs are based on the idea that to enhance efficiency we should firstly type our thinking out. So we give attention to motivation, confidence, self-belief or ways of controlling or removing anxiousness and stress. Sounds logical enough. The downside is whilst this approach makes such intuitive sense to us, the proof does not assist it. Our minds are expert downside fixing machines which advanced to scan the environment for menace, suggest hypotheses, after which prompt action to avoid, control or do away with any threats. But when we try to apply the same methods to our personal ideas, beliefs and emotional states, the evidence is that we make the issue worse, not better. This may sound like a small distinction however it has profound implications for the way in which we study, teach and enhance performance within the workplace. In short, the evidence means that specializing in attempting to change, management or avoid emotional and cognitive states because the means to enhancing performance is flawed. From workplace stress to task concentration, innovation, depression, anxiousness, OCD and even chronic ache management, all are exhibiting that trying to regulate our personal internal states IS the problem. By trying to get rid of anxiousness for instance, we make enemies of our own ideas and feelings and increase our distress. In contrast, the choice â€" psychological flexibility â€" gives people control over their lives, paradoxically by letting go of the struggle of attempting to regulate their emotional states. It is the power to concentrate on task-related stimuli while feeling unfavorable emotions that drives higher efficiency and reduces distress (see Gardner and Moore, 2008). This is why I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my profession work. It helps individuals move towards the life they choose whilst handling the doubts and fear that include that move. It’s additionally why I’m slowly building a range of program s which use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the workplace. This is a first for the UK, however for HR Directors and L&D managers in all places, this is the longer term. Career Change « Danny Baker and The Bobster... From Career Change To Career T... »