Welcome back, Humanness Heroes! In our last exploration of the transformative power of the PERMA model, we delved deep into the realms of Positive Emotions and Engagement. We discovered how these elements can significantly enhance your creativity and energize your contributions within your project teams. Today, we continue this journey by turning our focus to the remaining facets of the PERMA model: Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement, each pivotal in fostering your humanness and unleashing your innovative potential.

As we delve deeper into the PERMA model, it’s important to remember that each element of this model is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical tool that can significantly contribute to your well-being and amplify your ability to think creatively and collaborate effectively. Today’s discussion will help you further integrate these principles into your daily work life, ensuring that you continue to bring your best and most authentic self into every project.

So, let’s explore how nurturing relationships, finding deep meaning in your tasks, and striving for meaningful achievements can transform your approach to work and creativity. These elements are your keys to succeeding in and thriving in your projects, boosting both personal satisfaction and team success. Join me as we unpack these concepts, complete with practical actuators and inspirational stories to guide you on this path of creative exploration.

How can the PERMA Model Impact the Project Team Member? (A Continuation)

Before jumping in, I am keen to leave the following reminder: this post focuses on the team member, YOU!

Relationships:

In the tapestry of team dynamics, the thread that often holds everything together is the quality of relationships among team members. Strong, supportive relationships are not just about getting along socially; they’re about building a foundation of trust and mutual respect that can significantly enhance creative collaboration (Hall 1).

For you, as an individual in a project team, nurturing robust relationships means creating an environment where you feel safe to express ideas, take risks, and communicate openly. This safety net encourages you to share half-formed thoughts that could potentially evolve into innovative solutions, knowing that your contributions will be respected and considered. To relationships in your professional and personal life, consider integrating the following ‘actuators’:

• Active Listening and Intentional communication: These are not just buzzwords, but practical skills that you can develop and apply in your daily interactions. Commit to truly hearing your colleagues and engaging thoughtfully with their words. It requires you to be present, ask questions, and provide feedback that shows you value their input. Intentional communication involves being clear and deliberate in your interactions, ensuring your message is understood and that your body language matches your words. By practicing these skills, you can build stronger relationships that foster trust, collaboration, and innovation within your team.
• Active Connecting through Regular Check-ins: Whether it is a formal meeting or a casual coffee break, regular check-ins can help keep the lines of communication open. Use these opportunities not just to discuss project updates but to connect on a personal level, which can strengthen bonds and enhance teamwork (Kenny 2).
• Shared Challenges: Undertake team-building activities that are not necessarily work-related but that challenge the team to solve problems together. This could be anything from escape rooms to strategy games, which can help highlight different strengths and foster a spirit of unity and cooperation (Hall 1).

Addressing some Challenges

The Loner Perspective:

Now, here is my challenge to the loner in the room: If you typically keep to yourself, please consider the benefits of engaging more with your team. I get it; solitude can be productive; however, diverse interactions can spark new ideas and perspectives that you might not encounter on your own.

Remote and Hybrid Challenges:

Now, there is a challenge that affects all of us on teams: In today’s workforce, remote or hybrid work environments are very much the norm, and making an effort to connect can feel more challenging due to the physical distance. Overcoming this by leveraging technology, regular video calls, virtual coffee breaks, and digital workshops can all help maintain and strengthen relationships.

Short Story: Maya’s Transformation in Urban Redevelopment

Maya, an introverted urban planner at Skyline Developments, often worked independently on her new waterfront redevelopment project designs. While her individual contributions were solid, they lacked the innovative spark collaboration could bring.

Realizing the project’s ambitious scope, Maya knew she had to build stronger relationships with her colleagues. She began by actively listening and communicating intentionally during team meetings. She made an effort to understand her colleagues’ perspectives, asking insightful questions and offering constructive feedback. This helped her gain new ideas and made her teammates feel valued.

To foster better communication, Maya initiated weekly coffee breaks where the team could discuss challenges and share personal stories. She also suggested participating in a local community design competition, which highlighted each member’s strengths and encouraged creative problem-solving.

As Maya invested in these relationships, she noticed a significant shift in her work. Collaborating with her colleagues sparked new ideas and innovative solutions. One day, during a brainstorming session, Maya proposed tackling a challenging aspect of the project together. Through collaborative discussions, they developed a unique solution that added unexpected value to the project.

Maya’s efforts had a broader impact on the team. Her openness and collaborative spirit inspired others to do the same, transforming the team into a cohesive unit driven by mutual support and shared goals. Their combined creativity led to several innovative features, earning accolades from the community and industry experts alike. This success not only validated their efforts but also instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride, further fueling their drive for innovation and creativity.

Maya’s journey from a solitary worker to a collaborative team player illustrates the profound impact of building solid relationships on creativity and innovation. By actively listening and communicating intentionally, maintaining regular check-ins, and embracing shared challenges, she enhanced her own work and fostered a more creative and supportive team environment. This story underscores the importance of nurturing relationships to unlock the full potential of both individuals and teams in any project.

Meaning:

Meaning in this context refers to the sense of purpose and value you derive from your activities and connections. It is about feeling that your work contributes to something larger than yourself, which can provide motivation and resilience, especially in the face of challenges (Madeson 3).

Having a clear sense of meaning can transform your approach to work and life. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning and puts your daily activities into a broader context. This not only enhances your well-being, but the intrinsic motivation can drive you to pursue significant, innovative projects that resonate deeply with your values and beliefs. Discovering this meaning in your tasks can be a profound and enlightening experience, guiding you towards a more purposeful and fulfilling work life.

Meaning helps you focus on what is truly important, allowing you to navigate adversity with a clearer perspective and greater fortitude. Furthermore, when you understand the impact of your contributions, you are more likely to engage fully and passionately with your projects. To cultivate a sense of meaning in your professional and personal life, consider integrating the following ‘actuators’:

• Reflect on Your Purpose: Regularly take time to consider why you do what you do. Reflect on how your work aligns with your values and its broader impact. Ask yourself questions like, “How does my work contribute to the greater good?” and “What difference am I making?” As an avid journaler, I practice this regularly (Kenny 2).
• Connect with Your Impact: Engage in activities that allow you to see the direct results of your efforts. This could involve visiting project sites, interacting with end-users, or receiving stakeholder feedback. Seeing the tangible benefits of your work can reinforce your sense of purpose.
• Align with Organizational Goals: Ensure that your personal values align with your organization’s mission and objectives. Finding meaning in your daily tasks is easier when your work environment reflects your beliefs. Engage in goal setting that incorporates your personal aspirations and the company’s vision. Do not do this in isolation; make sure your manager is involved in this process with you.
• Pursue Passion Projects: Dedicate time to projects that you are passionate about and that resonate with your interests and values. These projects can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and contribute to your overall sense of meaning (Madeson 3).
• Mentor and Support Others: Helping others find their path and purpose can enhance your sense of meaning. Where better can you find a mentee or someone to support than on your immediate project team? Mentorship and support roles benefit your colleagues and remind you of the value and impact of your experience and knowledge.
• Volunteer and Give Back: Engage in community service or volunteer work related to causes you care about. This broadens your perspective and reinforces the importance of contributing to something greater than yourself (Madeson 3).

Embracing these and similar actuators enhances your personal fulfillment and inspires and uplifts those around you.

Short Story: Finding Purpose – Kemi’s Journey to Transforming Urban Development

Kemi, a civil engineer at Urban Innovators, often found herself lost in the routine tasks of her job. While competent and efficient, she felt a lack of a deeper connection to her work. One day, during a company-wide meeting, the CEO shared stories of how their projects had transformed communities, providing better living conditions and boosting local economies. Inspired, Kemi decided to seek more meaning in her role.

Kemi began reflecting on how her work could contribute to a larger purpose. She started volunteering for community outreach programs that Urban Innovators supported, seeing firsthand the impact of their projects. This experience reignited her passion for urban development and gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She also initiated a series of workshops where team members could share how their work aligned with personal values and the company’s mission.

Her newfound sense of meaning quickly influenced her work. Kemi approached each project with greater enthusiasm and creativity, proposing innovative designs that not only met technical requirements but also improved community well-being. Her team noticed the change and was inspired to connect more deeply with their work. They began to collaborate more effectively, driven by a shared sense of purpose.

One notable project was the redesign of a neglected public park. Kemi’s vision was to transform it into a vibrant community hub. She engaged local residents in the planning process, listening to their needs and ideas. Based on this feedback, Kemi incorporated features like playgrounds, community gardens, and spaces for local markets and events. The redesigned park provided recreational spaces and fostered social interaction and community bonding.

The project revitalized the area and became a model for future developments, showcasing how meaningful work could lead to innovative and impactful solutions. The community saw a significant increase in outdoor activities, social gatherings, and local businesses utilizing the space for events, which boosted the local economy and community spirit.

Kemi’s journey to find meaning in her work enhanced her creativity and satisfaction and fostered a more engaged and innovative team. This story highlights the profound impact of a sense of purpose on individual and collective success in any project, demonstrating that meaningful outcomes can create lasting positive changes in the community.

Achievement:

Achievement, a crucial element of Martin Seligman’s PERMA model, involves pursuing and attaining goals, mastery of tasks, and the resulting sense of competence. Achieving goals aligned with your personal values and intrinsic motivations significantly enhances your overall well-being and fulfillment. Meaningful accomplishments boost your pride and self-efficacy, reinforcing your belief in your capabilities and encouraging a positive cycle of motivation and further achievements. These milestones highlight your progress and growth, both personally and professionally (Madeson 3).

A sense of accomplishment drives you to strive for excellence and persevere through challenges. It provides a tangible measure of your efforts and builds resilience by demonstrating your ability to overcome obstacles and succeed. This progress and mastery enhance your well-being, foster creativity, and motivate you to continue pursuing your passions and goals, enriching your personal and professional life. To cultivate a sense of achievement in your professional and personal life, consider integrating the following practices:

• Set SMART Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound goals. This clarity helps you focus your efforts and track your progress. Regularly review and adjust these goals to stay aligned with your aspirations (Wroblewksi 4).
• Reflect on Past Successes: Take time to reflect on and celebrate your past achievements. Acknowledging your successes boosts your confidence and provides motivation to tackle new challenges (Madeson 3).
• Seek Feedback: Actively seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors. This input can help you identify areas for improvement and validate your progress, reinforcing your sense of achievement.
• Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate both major and minor milestones. Recognizing these moments of success helps maintain motivation and reinforces the value of your efforts (Madeson 3).
• Pursue Continuous Learning: Have a growth mindset and engage in continuous learning and skill development. Acquiring new knowledge and skills enhances your competence and opens up new opportunities for achievement.
• Document Your Achievements: Keep a record of your achievements and progress. This documentation serves as a reminder of your capabilities and provides evidence of your growth over time. Keeping a journal is very helpful for this.

Embracing these practices enhances your personal fulfillment and inspires and uplifts those around you.

Short Story: Tahir’s Path to Achievement – Transforming Stagnation into Innovation

Tahir, a project manager at Skyline Builders, had been involved in multiple projects, yet he often felt stagnant and unaccomplished in his career. Frustrated by this lack of progress, he sought advice from a mentor. His mentor suggested setting clear goals, reflecting on past successes, and celebrating milestones to cultivate a sense of achievement.

Taking this advice to heart, Tahir began setting specific, achievable goals for himself and his team. He also broke down larger projects into manageable tasks, making tracking progress and celebrating small victories easier. Regular reflection on past successes boosted his confidence and motivated him to persevere through challenges.

One significant project was the development of an eco-friendly housing complex. Tahir co-developed a tracking system for sustainability goals with his team, integrating his new approach to achievement. This system monitored their progress and highlighted individual and team contributions. Weekly meetings became a platform to share achievements, brainstorm new ideas, and reinforce the culture of continuous improvement.

This structured approach and focus on accomplishments sparked an “AHA” moment for Tahir. He realized how much more engaged and creative his team had become, driven by the clear, tangible progress they were making. He used these meetings to share his findings on the achievement actuators he practiced, further inspiring his team.

As a result, the housing project not only met its sustainability targets but also introduced several groundbreaking eco-friendly solutions, earning industry accolades. Tahir’s journey from feeling unaccomplished to fostering a high-achieving team illustrates the transformative power of setting and celebrating achievements. His renewed sense of purpose and competence motivated his team to strive for excellence and innovation, showcasing how achievement can drive creativity and success within a project team.

Please note that all the above short stories are fictional.

Closing Thoughts…

As we conclude this exploration of fostering innovation and creativity using insights from the PERMA model, it is essential to remember that each element—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement—holds its own significance in enhancing one’s well-being and performance. However, it is not necessary to maximize all these elements simultaneously. Instead, a synergistic combination of several elements can create an environment ripe for creativity and innovation.

Consider how Positive Emotions can boost your energy, Engagement can immerse you in your tasks, Relationships can provide support and collaboration, Meaning can give your work purpose, and Achievement can drive your motivation and confidence. Together, these elements can transform not only your individual contributions but also the collective success of your team.

Next post, we will present a series of illustrations inspired by actual events, showcasing two different approaches to handling death and loss within a project team. This deviation from our original posting plan will provide valuable insights into the impacts of such a profound challenge and the role of humanness in navigating them. After this, we will resume our planned exploration of Humanness in the face of navigating change. Stay tuned for an insightful journey into the emotional dynamics of project teams and the strength found in our shared human experiences.

References:

1. Aaron Hall. August 12, 2023. The Power Of Work Friendships: Building High-Performing Teams. Aaron Hall. https://aaronhall.com/insights/the-power-of-work-friendships-building-high-performing-teams/  
2. Dr. Natasha Kenny, PhD. January 2018. The PERMA Model: Strategies for Promoting Workplace Flourishing. Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning. University of Calgary.  https://taylorinstitute.ucalgary.ca/resources/the-PERMA-model-strategies-for-promoting-workplace-flourishing           
3. Melissa Madeson, Ph.D.  February 24, 2017. Seligman’s PERMA+ Model Explained: A Theory of Wellbeing. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/

M.T. Wroblewski. January 24, 2019. Elements of S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting. CHRON. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/elements-smart-goal-setting-771.html