Character strengths workshop to help UCT residence staff flourish

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Student Housing and Residence Life Division will host a “Strengths Unleashed” workshop for residence staff. This will identify their character strengths and show how these can be used for transformative personal and professional development.

Character strengths – as classified by positive psychology – are 24 positive traits expressed through thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. These are universally recognised by all cultures and are grouped into six categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

The course, which will run from 14:00 to 15:30 on Friday, 1 September, is open to all residence coordinators, residence facilities assistants, and front desk assistants.

The workshop will be an immersive experience designed to highlight each participant’s top five character strengths, as identified through the renowned Values in Action Institute (VIA) Character Strengths Model, said Sean Abrahams, Specialist: Learning & Innovation in the Residence Life Division, part of the Department of Student Affairs.

“The innovative programme harnesses the power of strengths to elevate team dynamics and foster collaboration.”

“Beside enhancing personal and professional growth, the innovative programme harnesses the power of strengths to elevate team dynamics and foster collaboration.”

Here Abrahams cited psychologist Dr Martin Seligman’s research into well-being through positive psychology.

“This has shown that one of the fastest and most effective routes to enhancing and experiencing a sense of well-being or flourishing is through the identification and frequent expression of any one of your top five character strengths.”

Valuable tools

The workshop will include interactive activities, group discussions, and reflective practice. Attendees will learn how to leverage their strengths in residence contexts, enriching the experiences of both staff and residence students alike.

“Drawing from the VIA model and by empowering staff to first recognise the strengths they already possess, the workshop will give them valuable tools for creating a more harmonious and productive residence community,” Abrahams said.

The outcomes and impact of the programme will be meticulously evaluated, paving the way for potential future iterations and enhancements, he added.

Contact Sean Abrahams for workshop details and registration information.