Thanks for learning more about the new Positive Connections program, on the MHealthy Portal. The program is available to all active, benefits-eligible faculty and staff (excluding those who are only eligible for the U-M GradCare health plan) and their spouse/other qualified adult (enrolled in a U-M health plan).
Positive Connections is easy, fun, and, best of all, it provides motivation and strategies to help you “connect and reflect.” Strengthening relationships supports an enriched and emotionally fulfilling life that enhances your personal and professional well-being.
The program is available for 6 weeks, from October 21 to December 1, 2024. Sign up now and get weekly emails with strategies and motivation to help you make six or more positive connections!
- Sign up on the MHealthy Portal now and get weekly emails with strategies and motivation to help you make six to ten positive connections!
- Print and post this PDF to help spread the word.
What are Positive Connections?
Positive connections include moments of joy, comfort, understanding, help, or kindness with another person. Positive connections can happen in a variety of ways– for example, a meaningful conversation or planned activity with another person, or a spontaneous, uplifting interaction with someone. These moments can be cultivated in both your work and personal life.
Learn 5 Evidence-based Strategies
During the program, you'll learn effective strategies such as gratitude, strength-spotting, and acts of kindness to cultivate these positive moments. These techniques help foster joy and strengthen your relationships with partners, family members, friends, and acquaintances. Professor Jane Dutton and colleagues coined “high-quality connections” to describe brief, supportive interactions built on respect, support, trust, and play. A wealth of research supports the meaningful impact of brief positive connections with others (Stephens, Heaphy, & Dutton, 2011).
"The key to building high quality connections is to be mindful that everyday practices can make a large difference in creating interactions that build strength and capabilities for the people and groups involved. These five strategies for building connections are some of the most potent and easiest to incorporate in how we behave at work and in our lives more generally. If one takes an experimental mindset and adopts small wins with engaging these strategies, you will likely be surprised and delighted by the difference they can make."
- Jane Dutton, Co-Founder of the Center for Positive Organizations and the Robert L. Kahn Distinguished University Emerita Professor of Business Administration and Psychology.
It’s Easy to Start Making Positive Connections:
- Sign up on the MHealthy Portal.
- Make a List of Connections: Choose a minimum of six (and up to ten) people you want to connect with, whether they are friends, family, colleagues, or even a barista at your favorite coffee shop.
- Plan One Activity with Each Person: Engage in various activities with your connections, such as sharing a meal, getting coffee or tea together, or meeting up for a nice talk.
- Connect and Reflect: After completing each activity, reflect on your experience and write a brief note on the MHealthy Portal.
Get Started Now
Sign up by October 21 to experience the full Positive Connections program. Happy connecting!