Best Self

SLIDE XX: BEN ZANDER TITLE SLIDE

Introduce Ben Zander and his book.

Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in 1978 and has appeared as guest conductor with orchestras around the world. His performances have inspired thousands of musicians, renewed their sense of idealism, and shed fresh, insightful, and sometimes provocative light on the interpretation of the central symphonic repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Also wrote The Art of Possibility.

SLIDE XX: BEN ZANDER VIDEO

Introduce the video: Benjamin Zander one buttock - YouTube

Debrief: Key points:

– it’s about contribution – being your best, not ‘the’ best.

STEP 5: SLIDE XX: BEST SELF EXERCISE

Individual reflection on the best self questions (5 mins).

Breakout Room (10 mins) (pairs)

Pairs interview each other around a time when they were at their best.

• When you’re at your best, what would I see, hear or feel?

• Think of 1-2 examples where you have added value when you are at your best?

• What was the result?

• What did it feel like for you?

Pairs interview each other around a time when they were at their best.

STEP 5: GRATITUDE VISIT, THREE GOOD THINGS (OPTIONAL).

Mention the key tools available and their power.

Facilitator story about using the Gratitude Visit or three good things with your kids, etc.

Reference Material

https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/home

https://positivepsychology.com/who-is-martin-seligman/

Presentation around happiness (somewhat old but may be useful): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1St9efjLtG66GbdAPXgrmiXeeQfjTTLNH?rtpof=true&authuser=phillipr%40theleadershipsphere.com.au&usp=drive_fs

PERMA+: https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/

Positive Psychology Progress (good article around gratitude visit, three good thinks, you at your best): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ORyrdy_1K1QJYXv8ixnzZKx-aW87Ao7e/view?usp=sharing