Positive Psychology for Managers at HEC Paris

(This is a review of a course I took at HEC Paris MBA, all opinions are my own.)

Last semester in my MBA Program, I had the chance to take an elective called “Positive Psychology for Managers”. The course name piqued my interest and so I signed up. Here’s a reflective diary of what I took away from it.

First off, the professors opened the class by level-setting the truth about our world as it is today, a world that’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous). They say that frustrations are a result of when our expectations do not meet reality. Being aware of our environment allows us to adjust and adapt better, and therefore, is not simply perfunctory but a necessity.

We explored a few different tools to help cope with the VUCA-ness of the world at the attempt of stabilizing what otherwise could be an overwhelming adventure called life.

We were asked to experiment with the idea of listing down each of our “favorite things” (a nod to the cult classic movie “Sound of Music”, nonetheless). Oddly, I found the exercise particularly eye-opening, refreshing, and powerful. It was a reminder that there are so many things that could spark joy if only we took the time to recognize them. I encourage you to try it! Go ahead, list down the things that genuinely give you a positive kick out of life. (e.g, ice cream on a hot summer day)

The best thing about this tool is that it’s enough to stick to, it’s practical, and relevant in multiple situations, be it personal or professional. As an example, moving to Paris a few months ago and adapting to a new country came with its challenges which was further amplified due to the pandemic. Therefore, there were inevitably a few things that have taken a toll on me. Having a “feel-good things” list helps to reduce the unnecessary negativity and allows me to recalibrate my perspective on life.

Simply put, having the list helps me see that “it’s not all bad” and that every negative feeling doesn’t need to overshadow the good in life. While my worries are valid and a normal part of life, they are just a part of the bigger pie that’s called my life where there’s also an abundance of other things that I should be grateful for.

Furthermore, it’s important to understand that just as our favorites lists, our happy triggers, are unique to each of us, so are our negativity triggers. The deal is, other people will have their own lists and if you cared enough as another human being, then you will be sensitive not to step on anyone else’s favorite list. Managers can do more with being emphathetic to these nuances and empathetic to what might affect others positively or negatively.

We also spoke about things that are within and out of our control, and that those who thrive are the ones who can segregate what they can control from the things that matter. That is, those that win are the ones who understand what’s worth spending their time, energy, and emotion on. In other words, it’s those who know how to declutter and reduce any unnecessary negativity in their lives.

To be a good leader, one needs to be able to manage oneself (not just administratively speaking), meaning, to have the ability to more selective about the things you let affect you. Time and time again, we are taught to be intentional with the words that we speak but not warned enough that we should be critical about the words or things that we let in our heads. But how exactly do we accomplish this?

Well, we need to review and assess each situation and be able to separate the things we can control to what matters. Though we may not be able to control every thing that happens, we do have a choice as to how we’ll react. Think of it as some sort of mental gymnastics. Commit to trying to be more attentive the next time life throws a curve ball, so that you build up the intuition to discern what requires your active versus passive intervention.

I think it’s paramount to have a positive mindset because it allows us to be more productive, to focus on the areas we can change, to attract more positive-thinking people, and therefore build better teams and workplace environments. I think that taking the time to regulate negative thoughts and feelings and introducing more positive ideas and actions within oneself is what makes a good leader because then you can be a more effective and positive influence toward others, multiplying the benefits of a positive mindset in your team.

I really enjoyed the class because now I am more present. I know that I can choose to smile towards challenges and face them head-on instead of cowering in fear and helplessness. The tools we learned in class taught me to dip less deep and recover faster, to have the resilience to carry forward and accept what I cannot change. Most importantly, the class has made me realize that I should recognize more, enjoy more, and be more grateful for the good things that are in my life. I look forward to the day I can apply what I’ve learned in class to my professional life once I’m back in full swing at work.

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