Magic in the Room #65: The Hope Theory with Special Guest Dr. Chan Hellman
July 21, 2021
Hope may seem like an intangible idea, but leaders can intentionally nurture hope in the people around them. In episode 65 of Magic in the Room, Chris, Hannah, and special guest Dr. Chan Hellman
discuss the three elements of hope: Goals, Pathways, and Willpower. Leaders can develop hope by ensuring these three elements are present.
Chan M. Hellman is a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. He has written more than 100 scientific publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences worldwide. Chan's research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. Chan just published a new book, "Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life," with his co-author Casey Gwinn published by Morgan James.
In previous episodes of the Magic in the Room podcast, the hosts have talked about intentional leadership. These conversations often include building structures, cultivating a mindset, and embracing accountability so we can move from where we are to where we want to be. But, of course, without hope, this is not possible. So, if we're going to change conditions and our state, we have to have hope. But where do we find it?
Dr. Chan Hellman shares how one of the most common phrases that we have in society is, "where there is a will, there is a way." If you want something bad enough, you can get it. But, unfortunately, that's not always true. For example, what would you do with a middle school-age student who's laying their head down on the desk during class who is not engaged or participating? If hope is about goals, pathways, and willpower, we will approach this apathetic youth, and ask what are your goals? They would probably reply that they don't have any.
Chan shares why we have to lean into asking questions such as what are your goals this week? Start with small steps, followed by the pathway's component, which acts as a stepping process. For example, to achieve a goal this week, you might ask, what are the five things you need to accomplish? Next, you must guide individuals to help them identify their sub-goals or benchmarks.
First and foremost, hope begets hope. As you take your successful first step towards a goal, it demonstrates that the future is possible. That's so critical, especially in programs where people are coming out of adversity. They have to know that it's possible. Hope is a social gift. It is something that occurs in relationships. When it happens, it unlocks our ability to be connected to others, many need to have somebody authentically ready, willing, and able to walk that journey with them.
Hannah shares how one of the biggest takeaways from today's conversation is that hope can be learned. She also shares how hope is the belief that the future will be better than today and that we have the power to make it so. Hannah discusses how this will become part of the way they teach intentional leadership and how leadership can instill and teach hope. For Hannah, it's about recognizing how we break down hope in terms of goals, pathways, and agency or willpower.
What does hope mean to you and your organization? If you would like to start a conversation with Hannah, Luke, and Chris about any of the subjects we have discussed, please email your hosts at info@purposeandperformancegroup.com. Remember, you can also get a free Magic in the Room hat by going to www.magicintheroom.com.
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