Thriving in Uncertain Times: Insights from Dr. Suzy Green
In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, how can we, as individuals and as an institution, support ourselves and our colleagues? The rapid pace of change, particularly in organisational contexts, presents both challenges and opportunities.
This question was the focus of a recent thought-provoking presentation by Dr. Suzy Green, a national leader in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, and Founder & CEO of the Positivity Institute. As an Adjunct Professor at UTS Business School, Dr. Green was recently invited to share her expertise at a crucial moment, as the university navigates the complexities of organisational change.
At the heart of her presentation were three key strategies to prevent ‘languishing’—a state of stagnation and disconnection—and instead promote ‘flourishing’—a sense of vitality, purpose, and engagement.
Dr Rosemary Sainty (left) and Dr Suzy Green (right) at Suzy's recent presentation
Three Pathways to Flourishing
- Know Your Character Strengths
Investing time in understanding and applying your character strengths can be transformative—not only for yourself but also for those around you. Recognising strengths in colleagues fosters appreciation, collaboration, and resilience. A useful starting point is the free VIA Character Strengths Survey: Take the survey. - Shape Your Own Story
How we interpret our experiences shapes our reality. Drawing on the work of Susanne Cook-Greuter, Dr. Green highlighted the importance of moving from self-centric and conforming perspectives toward greater autonomy, wisdom, and perspective-taking. By consciously “self-authoring” we can shape our own stories to cultivate a sense of agency and adaptability. - Cultivate Self-Compassion
In times of stress, we often extend kindness to others while neglecting ourselves. Dr. Green encouraged a shift in mindset: treating ourselves as we would a best friend. Kristen Neff’s research identifies three core elements of self-compassion—self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and mindfulness. Embracing these principles can help buffer against burnout and enhance emotional well-being.
Beyond Self-Care: Rethinking Well-Being at Work
A growing challenge for workplace leaders is that traditional self-care strategies—meditation apps, wellness programs, and resilience training—often feel like additional burdens rather than solutions. People are not just looking for more ways to "cope"; they crave more space in their lives.
This is where concepts like “job crafting”—actively reshaping tasks, relationships, and perceptions of work—are gaining traction. By allowing employees to align their roles with their strengths, values, and interests, organisations can create environments where people thrive. Fostering flourishing workplaces requires attention to both “the seed and the soil”— investing in people while cultivating an organisational culture that nurtures them.
Values as Anchors in Uncertain Times
Ultimately, in moments of disruption, our values serve as our strongest support system. They provide a sense of collaborative direction and motivation amid uncertainty.
At UTS, the 2027 Strategy is underpinned by such values, grounded in a sense of public purpose; a commitment to innovation; and a focus on positive social impact - creating meaningful change in communities and society at large. By staying true to these values as an institution, we can navigate uncertainty with optimism and purpose.
Dr Suzy Green and Dr Rosemary Sainty are Co-founders of the Australian Positive Organisational Scholarship (POS) Community of Practice hosted by UTS Business School.
