the hero mindset

Psychological Capital, or PsyCap, is a set of four powerful psychological resources that shape how we think, lead, and perform under pressure: hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism (HERO). It was developed by Fred Luthans and Carolyn Youssef-Morgan in the early 2000s to address a gap in leadership and organizational research, which was largely focused on human capital (what you know) and social capital (who you know). The researchers wanted something positive, measurable, state-like, and linked to performance outcomes.

Each of the HERO capacities matters individually. But when they work together, they create something much more powerful than any one of them alone.

Research shows that PsyCap improves performance, engagement, well-being, and leadership effectiveness across a wide range of industries—from the military to healthcare to corporate organizations. PsyCap has also been associated with decreased levels of turnover intentions and professional burnout. 

Just as financial capital fuels business growth, psychological capital fuels the human side of performance.

And the good news is this: it can be developed.