Course Outcomes

This optimism course will:

  • Explain the benefits of optimism and a positive workplace.
  • Suggest techniques for adopting a positive outlook and breaking bad habits.
  • Offer tactics for reframing negative experiences.

Course Overview

Optimists see the road, and pessimists focus on the rock in its middle. This course takes a close look at optimism and the power of a positive outlook in the workplace. The program examines common traits optimists share, methods for changing negative thought patterns, techniques for breaking bad habits, ideas for handling negative interactions, the language of optimism, and specific steps for staying positive with supervisors, subordinates, clients, and customers.

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the personal and professional benefits of optimism and a positive outlook.
  • Describe techniques for changing negative thought patterns.
  • Avoid self-sabotaging behaviors.
  • Choose positive language.
  • Identify actions they can take alone and with others to encourage positive interactions.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

It’s a Great Day: Understanding the Fundamentals of Optimism

Optimists see the world through a positive lens. On the whole, these people enjoy better health than the general population and their enthusiasm for life is contagious. Although some people are naturally optimistic, optimism can be learned. This portion of the program looks at permanence, pervasiveness, personalization, and how those three elements come together to create a positive outlook.

Changing Negative Thought Patterns: Attitudes That Define You

Like optimism, negativity can feed on itself and become a way of life. Optimists know how to manage their emotions and transform negativity. This workshop segment examines distraction and disputation and how to use each of those techniques to interrupt negative thought patterns.

Avoiding Self-Sabotage: Breaking Bad Habits

How can a person break a lifetime of patterns? How long does it take others to notice? This part of the seminar explores the answers to those questions. In this course component, we’ll discuss changing mental tapes, selecting a positive lens, and avoiding assumptions. Participants will also learn how to identify specific triggers and what they can do to re-wire their thoughts and words.

One Rock at a Time: Taming Toxic People

Surviving and thriving in a tough environment requires action. This part of the program discusses specific steps people can take to win over critics and naysayers. From the complainer to the sourpuss, this portion of the seminar looks at methods for handling negativity and avoiding destructive and unproductive conversations.

Talking on Sunshine: Choosing Positive Internal and External Language

Positive people see the good and say the good. They choose their words carefully and use them to encourage themselves and others.  This workshop segment focuses on language.  We will discuss how words shape our thoughts and vice versa.  We will also talk about a proven process for finding and articulating positive attributes in other people.

Optimistic Aerobics: Managing Up, Down, and Out

In this final part of the program, we will look at actions for managing up, down, and out. Specifically, we will discuss behaviors and words that build positive relationships with supervisors, direct reports, customers, and clients.

By this course’s conclusion, participants will be armed with the skills needed to start thinking and acting optimistically in the workplace.