Why do Health and Wellness Programs seem so appealing at first glance, but inevitably fail to bring about enduring health behavior change? The crux of the problem is embedded in the complexity of human nature. A comprehensive understanding of the psychological dynamics underlying human behavior is the missing link to viable health-related behavior change. Most Health and Wellness programs identify the positive outcomes of a healthy lifestyle, but fail to provide people with the appropriate tools to get there. The frequently recommended interventions presented to companies such as incentive programs, wellness screenings, health-risk assessments, senior management involvement, and changing organizational culture are explored in depth. People are not clones and cannot be expected to respond in the same way to an intervention. Their individualism must be taken into account and addressed accordingly. The Focused Facilitation(c) process presented in this book assimilates an insight and comprehension of the implicit, integral psychology of human nature to induce internal motivation in individuals: make them want to change and find the motivation within themselves to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This program provides individuals with clear, precise methods and techniques to achieve and maintain health behavior change. The Focused Facilitation Inventory(c) developed for this process measures individual attributes and competencies that are contributive to their willingness and capability to change lifestyle behaviors. This questionnaire also provides valuable information for identifying the strengths and developmental areas of incumbent and potential employees. Recognizing the essential competencies of critical thinking, motivation, problem solving, decision making, and other competencies benefits the corporation by reducing absenteeism and turnover, improving morale, and increasing productivity which ultimately improves ROI. On-the-job stress is thoroughly discussed including the impact of the 2009 economic downturn. Relaxation techniques and other methods for dealing with stress are clearly and concisely outlined, including positive self-talk and the technique of visualization. Goal setting and action planning are critical in both our personal and professional lives but only three percent of the population know how to set goals effectively. The step-by-step process of goal setting and action planning is described in detail. Business executives and corporate decision makers, aspiring professional facilitators, and anyone interested in the complexity of psychological factors underlying behavior and behavior change can also benefit from the material presented in this book.
Dr. Vance earned a doctorate degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of South Florida in 1993. The following year she founded her own consulting firm in Tampa, Florida, focusing on maximizing individual and organizational performance. She has worked closely with executives to identify innovative strategies and ensure corporations maintain their competitiveness in the marketplace. Her knowledge of psychology in the corporate environment and extensive experience with a highly diversified cross-section of industries has enabled her to have an insight into and an understanding of corporate dynamics and structure. Dr. Vance has partnered with many companies to transform vision into reality. She has developed many of her own instruments and programs (e.g., selection tests, performance management, talent reviews, 360-degree feedback, and succession management). Among her many endeavors, Dr. Vance has hosted her own live radio talk show, The Executive Boardroom, produced by North American Broadcasting Company. Her many speaking engagements include presentations at the International Congress of Psychology in Brussels and a seminar sponsored by the International Quality and Productivity Center. She has been a participant on several panels including the International Congress on Assessment Center Methods discussing the topic of executive coaching. Dr. Vance has been published in the Workplace Practices Magazine and the Journal of Applied Social Psychology.
