As a society, we’re achieving more yet feeling worse. Even when well paid, we’re dissatisfied. Most of us accomplish plenty but lack feelings of well-being.

While every metric of society is improving worldwide, our happiness levels are declining — and the more we have and achieve, the less successful we feel. This phenomenon is known as the “progress paradox.”

• In a worldwide survey of happiness, the United States ranked a dismal 23rd.
• Between 1972 and 2004, Americans’ real buying power doubled, yet our feelings of financial security dropped by 34%.
• The number of people who felt very happy with their lives dropped by 31% during that time. (Shawn Achor, One Day University Presents: Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness)

What does make us feel good about ourselves?

1. The ability to manage energy and stress in positive ways
2. A strong social support network
3. Most importantly, believing that what we do matters

This article reveals the latest psychological research that challenges some of our most commonly held beliefs about satisfaction and well-being and suggests action steps you can take right now to increase your feelings of happiness.
_______________________________________

This is a brief synopsis of a 800-word article suitable for coach newsletters. It is available for purchase with full reprint rights, which means you may put your name on it and use it in your newsletters, blogs or other marketing materials. You may also modify it and add your personal experiences and perspectives.

If you are a Content for Coaches client and your account is current, no need to order. Send me an email to confirm that you wish to use this article for your next newsletter.

All others please use the order links below.

Order Links to purchase this article:

1.  Click HERE: The Progress Paradox:  Doing Better, Feeling Worse
Text, 800-word Article with Full Reprint Rights, $57 –

2.  Click HERE:  The Progress Paradox:  Doing Better, Feeling Worse
3 Article Nuggets, with Full Reprint Rights, $64–

The No. 1 reason why most Americans leave their jobs is the feeling they’re not appreciated.

In fact, 65% of people surveyed said they received no recognition for good work in a previous year, according to Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, authors of How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life (2004).

According to newer Gallup research, what employees want most — along with competitive pay — is quality management. When they feel unappreciated and disapprove of their managers, they leave or stop trying.

Almost 25% of U.S. employees would fire their bosses if given the chance, and about 50% of actively disengaged workers would follow suit.

Because of current economic realities, people may not be leaving their jobs. Instead, they join the growing ranks of the disengaged and “missing in action.” It rests upon managers to learn better ways of interacting with the people on whom they depend.

Based on a great deal of previous research, positive managers practice these three leadership behaviors:

1. Use a strengths-based approach
2. Provide frequent recognition and encouragement
3. Maintain a positive perspective when difficulties arise

Past studies have shown these practices have a direct effect on employee engagement, and each is an observable and testable behavior.

None of these characteristics are innate, but all can be learned. Very few executives intuitively know:

1. How to work with people’s strengths
2. How to automatically give frequent credit where due
3. How to respond with your best game face when the going gets rough

This article examines the bottom line results of a positive, strengths-based approach to improving performance.

———————————————

This is a brief synopsis of a 2000 & 1000-word article suitable for consultants’ newsletters for executives and leaders in organizations. It is available for purchase with full reprint rights, which means you may put your name on it and use it in your newsletters, blogs or other marketing materials. You may also modify it and add your personal experiences and perspectives.

The complete 2,000 word article includes these important concepts:

• 3 Steps to Positive Leadership
• A Strengths-Based Approach
• Focus on What Works
• The Problem-Seeking Mindset
• The Brain Power of Negativity
• When Things Go Wrong
• Positive Results

——————————————————————————–

If you are a Content for Coaches client and your account is current, no need to order. Send me an email to confirm that you wish to use this article for your next newsletter.

All others please use the order links below.

Order Links to purchase this article:

a.    Text, 2000-word Article with Full Reprint Rights, $79 –

Positive Leadership: Real Results -

b.    Text, 1000-word Article with Full Reprint Rights, $57 –

Positive Leadership: Real Results, condensed version –