It's about not focusing on what's wrong, 'but what is already working, and amplifying it even more,' says expert
With many employers struggling to find the talent they need—and employees increasingly seeking upskilling opportunities—organizations may benefit from exploring positive psychology coaching, says one expert.
“Positive psychology coaching focuses not on what's wrong, but what is already working, and amplifying it even more,” says Paul Gagnon, founder and leadership coach at MYcoach, in a conversation with Canadian HR Reporter.
Rooted in philosophical traditions and popularised in modern psychology by Martin Seligman in 1998, this approach shifts the conventional workplace focus from problem-solving to celebrating what’s going well—and building on it.
The impact on workforce development can be significant, says Gagnon.
“By focusing on the strengths and bringing strengths to the forefront, individuals [and] teams begin to see themselves in a different light, and they begin to uncover hidden talents.”
This, he adds, “really spurs enthusiasm.”
“It helps to motivate, and it really lays a very strong groundwork in fostering motivation and goal achievement.”
Positive psychology coaching methodology
Positive psychology coaching is not just about being optimistic—it’s a structured methodology that integrates values, resilience, and coaching to drive measurable transformation.
“It helps you balance your positive and negative thoughts with behaviours, and they're really designed to help you reach your objectives—but to reach them effectively,” says Gagnon.
“It really helps you stay on track and drive that meaningful change.”
He points out that traditional models rooted in crisis management and deficit correction can dampen morale.
“Over time, this takes its toll on employees and energy dips. Collaboration feels like it's harder, and people begin to start to doubt their efforts.”
This, he says, is precisely where positive psychology coaching can make a difference.
“Rather than focusing on what's wrong, the coaching really invites the team to notice what's right, what's strong, what's working—and through guided reflection and strength-based assessments—team members start to see themselves... in a different light.”
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AI learning and positive psychology coaching
Gagnon recognizes the value that artificial intelligence can bring in the area of coaching in the workplace.
“AI or machine learning can be very helpful. It can identify flaws. In the medical community, as an example, it can take overwhelming amounts of data, articles and information. It can cross-reference, it can synthesize and summarize,” says Gagnon.
However, positive psychology coaching is far more potent, he says, because there is one-on-one human interaction.
“It's something that is meaningful,” he says. “It is something that we yearn for. It is something that we enjoy engaging in as social human beings. And I believe AI can support, but it cannot create that connection. It cannot create that sense of trust.”
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Gagnon notes, however, that embracing positive psychology coaching requires a shift in mindset.
“Simple doesn't always translate into easy,” he warns. “You really want to spot the strengths... leverage what is already working... It's not a focus on what's wrong with you. It's [about] what's right with you, and how can we leverage that to improve overall performance.”
