Choosing To Follow Positive Philosophies

This section provides an introduction to some of the many philosophies and principles that contain elements of the positive encourager’s approach.

The articles do not necessarily endorse all aspects of the philosophies. But these are included because they have made a contribution to encouraging people.

H is for Bernard Haldane: His Pioneering Work On Strengths

Bernard and Jean Haldane

Bernard Haldane is recognised as one of the giants of the strengths philosophy, an approach he was already using in the 1940s. His legacy lives on Read more

A is for James Allen: His Approach To Having A Positive Attitude

The positive approach encourages people to employ their gifts and use these to help other people. It also suggests focusing on what they can control, rather than worrying about what they can’t.

Many people Read more

W is for Diana Whitney: Her Work On Appreciative Inquiry

Diana believes in studying human systems when they are at their best. She then enables people to follow the life principles that work and fulfil their potential.

Working with David Cooperrider, Diana co-authored the Read more

J is for Sidney Jourard: His Work On The Transparent Self

Sidney Jourard was a key figure in the Humanistic Psychology movement. He believed that a person could increase their inner strength by being true to their self. They could do this by following their Read more

S is for Al Siebert: His Work On Resilience

Al Siebert did pioneering work on resilience. His superb books – such as The Survivor Personality and The Resiliency Advantage – enabled many people to develop their inner strength.

Al provided more than inspiring Read more