In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Dr Andy Cope, a specialist in positive psychology. After 12 years of hard academic labour, he gained a Loughborough University PhD and became the UK’s first ever ‘Doctor of Happiness’.Dr Cope shares his journey from traditional psychology to becoming more interested in the effects of positive psychology and happiness. He explains how positive psychology focuses on wellness rather than just illness, seeking to understand what makes already happy people flourish and how others can learn from them. Dr Cope discusses the importance of intentional strategies and learned behaviours in achieving and maintaining happiness. He emphasises the significance of understanding one's own mental health and well-being, especially in today's fast-paced and challenging world. Andy and Dr Cope also examine the concept of "mental wealth" and the role of positive psychology in equipping individuals with the skills to take care of their own mental health.They highlight the impact of emotional contagion and the ripple effect of positivity. Dr Cope explains how an individual's well-being can influence the happiness of those around them, creating upward spirals of emotion. He also touches on the concept of "emotional soup," where everyone contributes to the overall emotional atmosphere in a social setting, with leaders having a particularly significant impact.Additionally, Dr Cope addresses the cultural differences between the US and the UK regarding positivity and happiness. He shares insights on the American "Pan Am smile" and the British tendency to downplay positivity, suggesting that genuine positivity and emotional contagion can transcend cultural differences.Andy and Dr Cope talk about the importance of effective leadership and creating a positive work environment. The need to move away from outdated leadership thinking and traditional approaches, such as the use of SMART objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound), which Dr Cope believes are uninspiring and ineffective. Instead, he advocates setting ambitious and inspiring goals that encourage growth and creativity.Dr Cope promotes the importance of recognising and developing individual strengths rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses. He also challenges the concept of company values, suggesting that individuals prioritise their own values over those of the organisation.Andy agrees with Dr Cope's perspective and emphasises the value of focusing on strengths and building professional relationships. They both recognise the significance of psychological safety in creating an environment where individuals feel safe to be themselves at work.Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership, the importance of psychological safety, and the need to move away from outdated approaches to goal-setting and development. Dr Cope's expertise and engaging storytelling make for a compelling and informative conversation.Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter YoutubeConnectwith Dr. Andy Cope: Website | Twitter |LinkedIn | The Multiplier Effect" by Dr. Andy Cope