VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

“Ripple out positive change,” advised Michelle Gielan, founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research, to nearly 600 staff members of Virginia Commonwealth University and the VCU Health System.

Gielan, an expert on the science of positive communication and how to use it to fuel success, served as the keynote speaker at the VCU Staff Senate’s professional development event, “The Positive Power in You,” held in separate sessions on Oct. 16 and 17 in the University Student Commons.

The former national news anchor’s keynote address, which was titled “Broadcasting Happiness,” focused on positive change and how it can ripple through an organization when the science of positive communication is implemented.

“Smiles transmit positivity,” Gielan said. “They remind us how easily we can spread emotions to other people. The happier you are, the happier your neighbors are. The happier you are, the happier your cubical neighbors are. Like a ripple across water, being happy and positive affects others and is better for you and the people around you.”

After the keynote presentation, staff members had the option of choosing one of four workshops facilitated by VCU and VCU Health System leaders on topics such as engagement, conflict, teamwork and humor in the workplace.

“It was great to hear about the metrics of positive psychology and happiness at work, and how it leads to increases in productivity and innovation,” said Eileen Truax, a quality assurance inspector at VCU who attended Friday’s event. “It’s good business to be intentional about creating this kind of culture in our work areas.”

This is the second year the Staff Senate has hosted a professional development event. Last year’s “The Magic in You” featured Andrew Bennett, an inspirational magician, and focused on transformation and steps to creating change and building a transformative environment.

“Events such as ‘The Magic in You’ and ‘The Positive Power in You’ give team members an opportunity to learn skills that apply to both their professional and personal lives,” said Katherine Poarch, an organizer of the event and past president of the Staff Senate. “VCU Staff Senate hopes to help team members recognize individual value, confidence and pride, which is beneficial at work and at home. There is great value in having team members across the enterprise gather together to get a morale boost or to validate what they are already accomplishing.”

“Partnering with Tim Davey, Ph.D., associate vice provost for faculty recruitment and retention, for the leadership aspect of these last two events has been incredibly valuable. When we plan topics, we are looking for content – communication, conflict, engagement, positive psychology, team success and leadership. VCU Staff Senate has the unique opportunity to focus on the team members’ overall professional development in a way that complements what our respective Human Resources departments are already providing. Our hope is that team members will realize what is available and take advantage of those learning opportunities to enhance our learning and growing culture.”

 

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