Become a certified Resilience Practitioner in 6 weeks

In this module, we begin our exploration of Discovering Strengths in an unusual place: reflecting on our favorite superheroes! Next, we examine how strengths are defined and take a hands-on approach to experience what it is like to work in our strengths zone. We end the session with mindful listening and learning how to ‘strength spot.’ The purpose of this module is to introduce you to real-life, practical ways to experience and identify strengths before moving on to consider the theory underlying strengths in the next module.

• In Session 1, A Superhero Welcome, we invite students to consider their strengths journey and take a practical first step toward discovering strengths by looking in an unusual place!
• In Session 2, What are strengths?, we reflect on the importance of strengths and look more closely at our own definitions and the three broad ways in which strengths are typically defined.
• In Session 3, Strengths Hands on, we use a simple writing exercise as a metaphor to experience working in our strengths zone and explore the differences between strengths and weaknesses.
• Finally, in Session 4, Strengths Signs, we delve deeper into strengths spotting and learn about the verbal and non-verbal signs that indicate when someone is speaking about their strengths and weaknesses.

In this module, we take our first steps toward learning how to identify strengths by exploring both informal and formal approaches. First, we explore the philosophies underpinning the theories and examine fundamental differences between traditional and strengths-based beliefs around learning. Next, we look at two methods of informal strengths identification, examining our past behaviors and interviewing others. Finally, we introduce three formal strengths assessment tools and discuss what they are, their histories, and their differences.

• In Session 1, Strengths Philosophy, we start by looking at the philosophical differences between traditional and strengths-oriented approaches to learning.
• In Session 2, Self-Observation, we take our first step toward strengths identification by examining our past patterns of behaviors in order to develop our strength-spotting skills.
• In Session 3, Interviewing for Strengths, we explore how to interview others to identify their strengths and learn how powerful questioning can transform the way people see themselves and others.
• Finally, in Session 4, Formal Strength Assessment Tools, we move on to consider formal strengths identification approaches and examine the three most common tools in the field of positive psychology.

In this module, we focus our attention on the three formal assessment tools. We devote a full module to helping practitioners gain a better understanding and first-hand experience of using the three major formal assessment tools for strengths identification. In this introductory session, we also discuss some of the terminology you may encounter when talking about strengths.

• In Session 1, VIA Character Strengths, we discuss the Values in Action (VIA) Character Strengths and Virtues classification, exploring its history and basis for defining character strengths.
• In Session 2, Gallup’s CliftonStrengths, we discuss the history of this classification, what it seeks to do, and how innate talents can be developed into strengths.
• In Session 3, Cappfinity’s Strengths Profile, we discuss the history of this classification and how it measures and categorizes strengths, learned behaviors, and weaknesses, and provide advice for each strengths category.
• Finally, in Session 4, With a Pinch of Salt, we bring it all together and make sense of the different assessment tools, explore the complexities involved in defining strengths, and offer suggestions on which classification to use within different settings and the constraints that may be imposed.

In this module, we provide an overview of strengths research and take a closer look at evidence-based benefits and interventions. We end the module by exploring the connection between mindfulness and strengths and how they can be integrated into practice.

• In Session 1, Strengths Around the World, we explore the most important strengths around the world, the presence of global strengths, and the most prominent strengths in different populations.
• In Session 2, The Value of Strengths, we discuss research on the importance of realizing and using strengths and their impact on wellbeing and stress management.
• In Session 3, Building Strengths, we take a closer look at strengths identification interventions and discuss several exercises to further develop strengths once we have identified them.
• Finally, in Session 4, Strengths and Mindfulness, we examine the connection between mindfulness and strengths and discuss mindful ways to use strengths, listen for strengths, and enhance strengths.

In this module, we consider how to talk about strengths within different one-to-one conversations, both formal and informal. Because we’ll be using the term ‘coaching’ throughout the module, we clarify what we mean by ‘coaching’ and provide a broad definition that covers a range of conversation types.

• In Session 1, Positive 360 (Using Strengths Cards), we explore an alternative way to identify strengths via the use of strengths cards and discuss their benefits, as well as provide instructions on using both physical and digital strengths cards.
• In Session 2, Best Self, we discover how integrating feedback from others can help us overcome blind spots and positivity biases and explore ways to build a best self-portrait.
• In Session 3, Strengths-Based Goals, we take a closer look at action points and goals and explore how to integrate strengths into each step of the GROW model.
• Finally, in Session 4, Building Strengths (with LEGO), we introduce a truly unique methodology, LEGO Serious Play, and explore how using LEGO as a metaphor for strengths enables us to make abstract, psychological questions and situations tangible and concrete.

In this module, we slightly shift our focus from working with individuals to looking at the importance of bringing strengths to work and practical solutions on how to actually do this. We briefly touch on research-based benefits and statistics on performance, engagement, and productivity.

• In Session 1, Strengths-Based HR Cycle, we provide an overview of how to integrate strengths into the workplace and explore ways to integrate strengths approaches into each step of the HR cycle.
• In Session 2, Strengths-Based Recruitment, we take a closer look at strengths-based selection recruitment processes and discuss a step-by-step approach that starts from the inside out.
• In Session 3, Strengths-Based Development and Talent Management, we zoom in on employee development and talent management to examine a range of strengths-based activities used to retain and develop employees and discuss issues arising from specific philosophical views.
• Finally, in Session 4, Strengths-Based Leadership, we introduce concepts and ways in which leaders can activate intrinsic motivation in others. We also discuss how to start developing positive leadership and overcome common areas of struggle for leaders.

In this module, we move outward from the individual to consider ways to bring the strengths approach into teams and groups. In this introductory session, we explore why group and team work is important for teachers, trainers, coaches, or volunteers within the community. We also briefly examine significant benefits and statistics on teams who have received strengths-based interventions and the importance of virtual teams since the pandemic.

• In Session 1, Strengths Gym, we explore a strengths card exercise developed by Lucy Ryan that enables groups and teams to identify, share, and discuss their individual and collective strengths.
• In Session 2, Cartography of Team Strengths, we discover new ways to continually evaluate and build collective strengths of a group or team. In particular, developing strategies to optimize strengths by, for example, identifying strengths bearers and filling gaps through recruitment.
• In Session 3, Strengths-Based Project Planning, we examine approaches employed to optimize the resourcefulness of a team or group using their collective strengths, look at a fun way to develop team trust and psychological safety, and practice bringing strengths into team functioning. Enjoy!
• Finally, in Session 4, United in Strengths, we focus on how to create an overall strengths-based culture within a team or group and discuss processes and activities that bring strengths into the everyday work people do.

In this module, we discover, explore, and examine ways to bring the strengths back into everyday life and look at very broad ideas as to how to apply strengths at school, in parenting, with family and friends, and also in the community.

• In Session 1, Strengths in Schools, we explore why schools are an ideal place to implement strengths, discuss the SEA model, and discover fun strengths-based student activities and projects!
• In Session 2, Strengths in Parenting, we discuss a parent’s role in helping children realize and develop their own unique strengths and look at several fun strengths interventions the whole family can enjoy!
• In Session 3, Strengths in Families, we zoom in on strengths within couple relationships and then zoom out to examine strengths throughout the family tree. We also explore ways to support family and friends to live and exercise strengths every day.
• Finally, in Session 4, Strengths in Community, we bring strengths into the wider community, focusing specifically on the use of strengths with people with learning disabilities.