Gallery Presentation International Positive Psychology Association 7th IPPA World Congress 2021

How Character Strengths enable Vertical Adult Development in a Human Centered Practice SpaceĀ  (#355)

Maria Giovanna MGV Vianello 1
  1. Novartis, Singapore, SINGAPORE

After spending the last 15 years searching for the best leadership frameworks to support development, being inspired by leaders who had a positive transformative impact on people, the Global LD community at Novartis realized Character Strengths could be the crucial enabler of Adult Vertical Development. To face insurmountable complexity and unpredictability, leaders need to develop the capacity to hold the space with grace and empathy, in perfect alignment with their inner self and strengths. The human-centered practice space created around this initiative prepares leaders to explore the world with an open and receptive mind, make ethical decisions, and drive positive change, inspiring a sustainable future. In this future, the collective is the center of gravity of a society that celebrates differences. In this future, character strengths are part of the everyday vocabulary and a source of inspiration to make decisions and enable growth. The experimental practice consists of dialogues about character strengths to build awareness and identify practical applications. To establish a more consistent awareness of the impact of Character Strengths, somatic practices are part of the experiment helping leaders to acknowledge how being in the moment, leveraging strengths, feels like from the perspective of an an embodiment practice.

  • Keywords: Business and Organizations, Leadership/Management, Mindfulness