Power Your Research Team’s Potential with Mental Fitness
Let's face it, our industry is changing at rapid pace.
The impact of technology and AI is both a blessing and a curse. Not to mention the ongoing levels of stress, workplace burnout and challenges recruiting and retaining great talent into the industry.
Dealing with all of this and more requires a concerted effort to manage mindset, including the self sabotaging thoughts and behaviours that hold 8 out of 10 teams back from their full potential.
What is mental fitness?
Mental fitness can be thought of as similar to physical fitness, which involves maintaining a healthy body through exercise and proper nutrition, mental fitness involves activities and practices that contribute to a healthy mind.
The stronger your mental fitness, the easier and faster you move forward from challenging situations. And the stronger your teams mental fitness the better you collaborate, innovate and in short get stuff done!
Watch the video for an example of where mental fitness can benefit in the world of research and insights.
Mental fitness training teaches individuals to enhance their mindset using the PQ Positive Intelligence® training system so that teams achieve peak performance in today’s dynamic business environment.
It establishes a growth mindset across the organisation so that individuals and teams remain agile in the face of challenges, are more collaborative and innovative, deal with stress better and are more productive as a result
Designed to facilitate positive mindset change though a blended approach of education, insight and habit forming activities in a 6 week programme, bolstered with 1:1 and / or team coaching as required
What exactly is mental fitness training?
“The PQ Positive Intelligence training programme has been the most impactful training I ever experienced.
Lara's coaching and support throughout the 6 week programme has been instrumental in helping me grow powerful mental muscles that are enabling me to deal with challenges with less stress and greater clarity, be more resilient, reduce negative thoughts, and ultimately live a more positive happy life.”
- Sharon G - Head of Insight - Clientside
What benefits are there to the business*?
92% better at team-work & collaboration
Leaders who are "mentally fit" are more likely to understand the needs and working styles of different members of their team and encourage everyone to participate when it comes to team activities
84% better at conflict management
Leaders who are "mentally fit" are more likely to consider the other individuals / teams / stakeholders point of view and bring curiosity to find a solution rather than descending into blame culture
76% better able to develop others
Leaders who are "mentally fit" are more likely to invest in the growth and development of their team, and if one way hasn't worked to bring out the best in a team member, they innovate in other ways
90% use mental energy more effectively
Individuals who are "mentally fit" are more likely to bring a growth mindset to the challenges they face. They also know to take regular breaks to "recharge" their mind as needed and don’t end up burnt out
85% improve self confidence
Individuals who are "mentally fit" improve their self confidence as they feel a mastery over their mind and emotions. As they face new challenges at work they recognise they have the tools to deal with them
83% improve happiness
Individuals who are "mentally fit" are more likely to feel happier inside and outside of work. They are no longer weighed down so much by negative thoughts getting in their way of doing a good job
*Percent of participants reporting improvement after only 6 weeks of PQ Positive Intelligence Training Program
"The PQ Positive Intelligence training provided a tool to calm myself in difficult, high stake situations, and being in a group gave us all a safe space to talk, open up & support one other"
— Anca C. - Head of Team - Clientside
How does the programme work?
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At the outset, you’ll identify some common goals as a business or team that you are motivated to work towards
Common goals including
better communications
enhancing collaboration
improving company culture
reducing stress and burn out
navigating hybrid working
retaining best performers
programmes for key groups (ie women leaders)
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Powered by the Positive Intelligence (PQ) app
6 weeks PQ app access for all participating individuals
Weekly PQ educational content, and audio book (1hr per week)
PQ exercises (15 mins per day)
Weekly group training session, led by Lara for questions, support and deepening learnings (1hr per week)
Text support with Lara throughout (as needed)
Team complete, under guidance and with support of Lara
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After the 6 week training, if you wish to continue using the mental fitness training tools your access can continue with new modules on team performance, building trust, resilience, stress management, boosting emotional intelligence and more
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As standard, during the 6 week training, all employees taking part will join a 1hr weekly training session led by Lara.
Depending on your organisational goals you may wish to offer additional 1:1 coaching sessions with Lara for a subset of individuals - this can be discussed and designed in collaboration.
As business owner / leader you are the client and your goals and objectives set the tone for the work I do with any individual, while their sessions themselves will remain 100% confidential
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At the end of the PQ programme you’ll reflect as a team on how far you have come
Lara will guide you in reviewing the tools and capabilities you now have to face business, client and organisational challenges with greater ease
Lara will support you in putting an action plan in place to work towards any future goals you have identified, and where appropriate will support with additional trainings, workshops and coaching support
“I'm feeling really positive, almost like I can do anything. I feel excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for me and what I can make happen on my accounts and in the business
The PQ Positive Intelligence training was a helpful foundation. Its allowed me to be more aware of what may be going on for others - everyone has their own saboteurs and issues”
- Barbara M. - Senior Research Director - Research Agency
I’m Lara Meyer, a researcher turned coach for leaders & businesses in the insights industry
Throughout my near 20 year research and insights career, I’ve worked agency, client side and now for myself.
I’ve lived in many countries across the globe and done research in and travelled to many more. I’ve led teams large and small... I know the funny jargon of research, what really makes a learning you can take action on and the politics of landing a sensitive insight.
I ALSO know intimately the late nights, demanding clients, the stress of too many projects with not enough team members to really deliver…
And I know that two decades on, many of these fundamental challenges of our industry have not changed.
In fact, the impact of hybrid working, new generations in the workforce, the impact of technology and AI, not to mention global challenges with cost of living and financial cut backs mean it probably is tougher than ever
That said, with the benefit of hindsight and educating myself in good leadership, growth mindset, positive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, I can see just how much of the time my mindset was getting in the way of my personal progress, but also that of my teams and as a result the company that I worked for.
My mission as a researcher turned coach is to help people across the whole of the market research industry have a more positive working life and help individuals, teams and businesses fulfil their full potential
I support a maximum of 2 organisations at a time.
So if this is how you choose to work with me, you know you are a priority in my schedule and you and your teams get the very best of me to help you grow your mental fitness and your business
If you are ready to explore what this partnership could do for you, book an introductory call now
FAQs
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Any organisation can benefit from their employees being more mentally fit!
It is particularly helpful for organisations or teams that are
Re-setting internally after restructures, mergers or acquisitions as these times of extreme change require a growth mindset from leaders and all staff
Looking to grow or expand their business and want to deliver that in the most efficient, productive way possible
Navigating the challenges of disrupted marketplaces (eg the de-stabilising forces of AI on the research industry) where high levels of uncertainty impact individuals and teams performance
Investing in their employees wellbeing as well as performance as mentally fit teams and organisations have both components
Seeking to support or better engage programmes aligned to DEIB initiatives e.g. programmes to support progressing women to more senior positions
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With the PQ Positive Intelligence training programme most people report feeling more positive after just the first 3 weeks, and even more so once they have actually completed the Mental Fitness Training.
Then, you’ll be putting your tools and muscles into practice. Examples from clients as they work through the programme include
-> Individuals and teams setting themselves (and achieving) stretching goals, often around process enhancements or revenue generating activities
-> Overcoming fear of selling as a researcher and gradually seeing more leads, clients and revenue coming in
-> Individuals who previously would have held themselves back, now feeling confident speaking up in large company meetings / brainstorms
-> Teams who can participate in healthy conflict, disagree with one another and then find powerful solutions that benefit themselves, their team, the business and their clients
-> Individuals who embody a greater self awareness and confidence, leading teams and clients or stakeholders with pride
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That is up to you!
Once the 6 week training is complete you and your teams now have the foundational tools to ensure you don’t get stuck in the trap of your mind working against you rather than for you - in work and in life
That said, this programme is designed to build habits not just as a one-off lesson, so in order for the benefits to be retained ongoing practice is needed.
This can be delivered though longer term access to the PQ Positive Intelligence app and / or bolstered with additional coaching / training with Lara as the needs of your teams require
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That is up to you!
Many organisations offer this to all employees, either as part of onboarding or a wellbeing / benefits programme.
Some organisations may choose to start with their leadership team or select a smaller cohort of individuals (ie top talent or women progressing to leadership) to participate initially as a way to track progress, impact and results
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The beauty of the PQ Positive Intelligence Training means it can apply equally in both areas.
Successful mastery of mental fitness has a positive impact on reducing stress, enhancing productivity and collaboration as well as boosting happiness and confidence
It has a ripple effect of positive change, often with individuals who complete the programme via their organisation reporting just as many benefits outside of work as inside work on their performance
The advantage of this, is happier more content employees tend to stay longer in their organisations, meaning reduced churn and more stable and collaborative teams.
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The programme is designed to be completed in a consecutive 6 week period with unique lessons each week, so an extended holiday during this time is not ideal!
Each week its only 15 minutes pay day of exercises, 1 hour of videos and a 1 hour group meeting (online) so a manageable amount of time to commit to.
Its recommended that Leaders in the business or team set an example to the others participating with their active involvement
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Costs depend on the scale of the programme, both in terms of number of employees and wider goals which may require coaching support in the form of workshops, team or individuals coaching.
My recommendation is to schedule a call to explore your needs and I’ll help design a programme bespoke to you and your business
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I’m a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, having trained at “gold standard” coaching school Co-Active (CTI)
Additionally as a PQ Positive Intelligence Trainer, I’ve undergone 6 months advance training on this system and use it daily in my own personal mental fitness practice since 2021 and am an active member of the PQ coach community
This is on top of my 20 years in the research industry - so I know and can relate to the challenges you may be facing!
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While the programme can be taken standalone via Positive Intelligence, it is enhanced by an experienced coach to guide you and your teams through it.
Lara’s involvement brings a unique and valuable perspective as a research having worked in the industry for 20 years she understands the challenges your teams face AND now having trained as a professional coach and Positive Intelligence Trainer she can effectively bring out the best in your teams and individuals through advanced coaching and mental fitness techniques.
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If what you have read so far speaks to you, and you can imagine some of the benefits of colleagues and teams who are more focussed and productive, less stressed, more collaborative internally and with clients, then I’d recommend to have a call.
We can talk about the most important areas of focus for your specific organisation and design a programme that works for you
Power YOUR Research Teams Potential Today
If you recognise that the individuals in your research team or business might not be operating at their full potential, then you are not alone - this is common in 8 out of 10 teams!
If you know it means your business is stuck in unhelpful loggerheads between departments or leaders, not making as much growth impact or profit as you would like then please know that mental fitness techniques are the foundation to unlocking these blockages
You CAN equip your teams with the tools to ensure their minds work FOR them rather than AGAINST them.
This results in greater collaboration, resilience, less stress and burn out and more innovative and impactful solutions to business challenges
Explore what is possible with the power of PQ Positive Intelligence training and a researcher turned coach who seriously wants to see insights businesses and people succeed