Welcome!

Thank you for joining this conversation on how to Thrive in Trying Times! Monica Worline Ph.D, Affiliate Faculty at the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, introduces this Teach-Out and how we think about finding potential during these trying times.

The first week of the Teach-Out focuses on reframing concepts like thriving in terms of Positive Organizational Scholarship, showing you a way to think at both the individual and community levels. We will learn about two frameworks, the flourishing triangle and how it fits together with a social architecture that scales individual actions up to communities. The second week of the Teach-Out builds on the frameworks by diving into a number of specific things you can do to thrive in trying times.

Introduction from the Center

The Center for Positive Organizations, housed at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, is committed to building a better world through the science and practice of thriving organizations.

Through our field of inquiry – Positive Organizational Scholarship – we seek to understand the characteristics, practices, and principles that create these thriving organizations. We develop engaging opportunities to spark debate, compel action, and inspire further research.

Hear why this work matters so much right now from members of our center

Right now, we are responding to this global pandemic by using the incredible breadth and depth of experts affiliated with the Center to help translate our research into tangible, actionable practices. Hear from the members of our center as to why this work matters so much in this current moment.

“People are experiencing fear and anxiety right now. The research presented in this Teach-Out equips us with the knowledge, skills and practices to face our challenges with the courage and bravery that can lead to better versions of ourselves.” – Esther Kyte, Managing Director, Center for Positive Organizations

“We are currently bombarded with negative news. As we acknowledge our sadness and anxiety, we can use a positive lens to help us craft our work day for meaning, connect with our family/friends, and achieve a desired health or work goal.” – Dave Mayer, Professor of Management & Organizations, University of Michigan

“Everything I learned about Positive Organizational Scholarship[POS] has been saving me the past few weeks. It’s kept me focused on growth and gratitude rather than stress and anxiety. POS helped me build resiliency and taught me to leverage my strengths.” – Rachel Heydlauff, Senior Consultant, Root Inc.

“Positive Organizational Scholarship [POS] gives us the tools to pursue what gives us hope as a species – to perform virtuously towards each other, to be resilient in the face of tragedy, and to re-imagine how we see ourselves so that we can step up to novel challenges.” – John Paul Stephens, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior, Case Western Reserve University

“We are all in this together. Now is an opportune time to connect as a collective. Whether starting a gratitude practice recognizing others or forming connections with different people, POS provides a compass for getting to the other side, together.” – Tracy Cohen, Ross MBA ‘19

Introduce yourself: Now that you have heard from members of our Center for Positive Organization we want to check in with you. Please introduce yourself and join the conversation by addressing the question that guides this Teach Out – why should we talk about thriving now from your point of view? Tell us what brought you here. Please share and connect with at least one other member of this community.