DAY ONE

RESEARCHERS ARE TELLING US that we can expect to see more change in the next decade than we did in the past hundred years . So , consider :

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Now more than ever , we have a reason to worry , to feel backed up against a wall or to even wring our hands as we look for new answers to old problems . For spa leaders , some of those ever-present daily challenges are staffing , retention and engagement . Now more than ever , we have an opportunity to put on our creativity capes , along with our best possible future glasses ( not rose colored ). In our industry , that means creating a flourishing environment for both our staff who stayed and our loyal , if somewhat exhausted , clients . Which is the right perspective ? You can make a case for each , and you get to decide .

You get to choose whether you view change as a threat or an opportunity . As difficult as disruption sometimes will be , you can use scientific research to stack the uncertain odds in your favor .

THE POSITIVITY PRINCIPLE “ Positive psychology is the scientific study of “ what makes

life most worth living ,” as psychology professor Christopher Peterson wrote in Psychology Today . To dive a bit deeper , positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts , feelings and behavior , with a

focus on strengths instead of weaknesses and with the objective to build on the good in life instead of repairing the bad .

Martin Seligman , Ph . D ., who is often considered the pioneer of the positive psychology movement , coined an acronym for the five pillars that are needed to create a life where we can become our best self as we create our best future . PERMA comprises Positive emotion , Engagement , Relationships , Meaning and Accomplishments .

Using the PERMA model , here are five small steps you can take today to strengthen the foundation of your team and the future of your business :

FLOURISH IN FIVE

1 . POSITIVE EMOTION : Start each morning by sharing something positive with your team . It could be a quote , something you read in a magazine , or simply a moment of gratitude for your staff . When we begin our day with a positive mindset , our brain will want to seek out more of the same . Appreciate the good and the good will appreciate .

2 . ENGAGEMENT : If meetings are still happening online , encourage team members to keep their cameras on . It helps people to feel more connected and discourages multi-tasking ( such as cell phone scrolling .)

To foster engagement when meeting face to face , be sure your phone is out of sight and turned off . The greatest gift you can give your team is your full presence and engagement . They will notice .

3 . RELATIONSHIPS : Do you know your team ’ s favorite

flavor of coffee or tea ? Are you aware of their favorite

12 PULSE n MAY / JUNE 2023