Positive Leadership, the Slalom to Success

At idéo, we have developed our own positive leadership model. We notably use it in our leadership and management courses. You can find it in our book, “Working Differently with Positive Psychology,” Alisio Editions. This model is inspired by the latest research in leadership and notably brings together theories derived from situational leadership, self-regulation, and “servant leadership.” It is also based on Ryan and Deci’s motivation theories.

 

We advocate for a leadership model that promotes both individual and collective fulfillment, as well as autonomy. This model is represented by the metaphor of the slalom of success. For those who have already skied and completed a slalom, they know that to succeed, two imperative conditions must be met : 1. Pass through the blue and red gates in order ; 2. Pass through all of them.

 

An effective leader/manager is capable of creating an interpersonal bond of trust, quality, and closeness so that people feel secure and dare to be themselves. This notably requires courage, generosity, interest, active listening, visibility, and authenticity (not to mention vulnerability, because only the expression of vulnerability frees that of others). This allows individuals to know themselves, recognize themselves, and discover themselves. Without trust, a strategic gate of the slalom, it’s a fall and everything collapses. However, if this gate is passed, people understand, accept, and embrace their differences. They can thus fully benefit from the framework of autonomy offered to them. They have energy. They collaborate, make decisions, take initiatives, and find meaning in their work. They experience pleasure and positive emotions. They strengthen their motivation, develop, and progress. They cross the finish line, fulfilled under the banner of success and a rewarding working life.

 

Our model helps to reveal and develop the first 3 levers of fulfillment at work: the quality of relationships, the meaning in one’s actions and objectives, and the learning and development of one’s potential.