Positive Leadership And Strength-Based Leadership

Introduction

Imagine being in a working environment where your flaws are never at the fore front. Imagine being a part of a team that values the strengths of each person, and practices the know how to move quickly from storming to norming in the teamwork cycle. Is this a reality that will produce results for all involved? Is there every such a style? To answer these questions, it is important to look at what leadership theory currently causing success in the professional world. One theory is called Strengths Based Leadership, or positive psychology. This concept is gaining a following; starting with the father of positive leadership, Donald Clifton. Still questions linger if this concept of using person strengths improves their leadership

A fair criticism of the first one hundred years of the science of psychology is that the emphasis has been on addressing what makes life unbearable-mental illness, anxiety, neurosis, stress and so on, as stressed by Sligman & Cziakzemtmihalyi, 2000; see also Jahoda, 1958. (Kaiser & Overfield, 2011) Positive Psychology focuses on the good that could possibly increase a person’s quality of life. Positive Psychology a growing utilization in the workplace. Thus the development of strength-based leadership.

Donald Clifton PhD (1924-2003) was a psychologist and creator of the concept. Over his years of research, Clifton developed positive leadership and strengths finders’ assessment. Gallup organization is an analytics company that helps to solve issues for employers and organizations, but was it known that the father of positive leadership psychology purchased Gallup Inc., this owner is Donald Clifton. Donald Clifton (1924-2003) was a professor, author, and businessman revolving around the concept of positive, strength psychology. In 2001 Clifton and Marcus Buckingham published a book about discovering the strengths of a person. This book went on to become a hit, to the point the book is still coming out with versions after Clifton’s death. Clifton’s first assessment StrengthFinders was published in 2001, since then it has been used widely in development programs by various industries. (Kohnen,