Psychological Capital and Authentic Leadership

Hope, Efficacy, Reseilience, Optimism

Psychological capital is the development of an individual's positive psychological state. Vital for Authentic Leadership.

How can we survive in this environment and become resilient, empowered researchers, with the capacity to thrive and flourish? We need to build high levels of psychological capital incorporating the principles of Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism.
• Hope is defined as ‘the perceived ability to produce pathways to achieve desired goals and to motivate oneself to use those pathways’ (Cheavens, 2009). Identifying and working towards positive future oriented outcomes.
• Efficacy is stated as confidence in one’s ability that they can achieve a specific goal within a certain situation.
• Resilience is about having the ability to adapt and bounce forward (not just back) from adversity or set-backs.
• Optimism is belief that we can change our attitudes and behaviours to determine a positive outcome (Seligman, 2011).

When we apply the principles of psychological capital (relating to human capital and social capital) to our research profession regardless of our job roles, we will build a flourishing future for ourselves and others in medical research.

Expanding psychological Capital For Competitive Advantage

When we look at the past we can learn from where we have come from – Traditional Economic Capital. This is about the tangible things we have within our organisations. What we HAVE.

We moved in to understanding the importance of developing our Human Capital – increasing skills, abilities and ultimately the experience of the individuals within our organisations. What you KNOW.

As leadership development further progressed, we understood the importance of Social Capital. The networks and relationships that we built. WHO you know.

We are now in the stage of development Authentic Leadership approaches and understanding Psychological Capital. How we understand ourselves as a person, our self-awareness, ability to self-regulate in response to others, how we understand and develop Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism, The importance of WHO YOU ARE!

Adapted from: Luthans, F., Luthans, K.W., & Luthans, B.C. (2004). Positive psychological capital: beyond human and social capital.

Trusted by

I really enjoyed the course both the online component and the 3-day face-to-face workshop.

“The workshop was just a lot more interactive and there were some good practical exercises that I enjoyed. For example I took away lots of tips on exercises including stillness and active mindfulness – that will help me to implement breaks in my very busy life. I think that’s really important according to what I have been taught to prepare myself for that peak performance state. I thought it only applied to sports but in fact for myself to really think clearly and present the version of myself to the team. I really need to be in that state.”

Dr. Jun Yang, MBBS FRACP PhD

Research Scientist, Monash Health & Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Thanks for training me to become a confident speaker.

“It has been one of the most valuable knowledge and skills gained through my PhD candidature. I enjoy applying the concepts learned, such as mindfulness practices into academic presentations or all aspects of my life.”

Dr Win Wah PhD

Research Fellow, Monash University

The importance of being in action, not letting resistance and hesitations get in the way.

“It’s given me a lot of tools and information that I can research more and new ways to think and how I can put things into action. Knowing that I have the ability, the resources, and the inner wisdom to do these things with courage, is great. The importance of being in action, not letting resistance and hesitations get in the way, trusting my own gut and my wisdom, the importance of affirmation has been really reinforced for me. Authentic Leadership is not about being a leader as the official title but leading your own life.”

Jen Haddon

Occupational Therapist, MidCentral Health