Have you ever heard the saying that certain individuals illuminate a space simply by being present? Interestingly, there’s a specific term for this phenomenon! It’s known as the “heliotropic effect,” and its application could unlock the potential for greater success in business and a more fulfilling life.
Dr. Harry Cohen incorporates the heliotropic effect into business in his latest publication, Be the Sun, Not the Salt
In the article “Five Keys to Flourishing in Trying Times,” Kim Cameron, a professor at the University of Michigan, characterizes the heliotropic effect as “the inclination of all living organisms towards that which nourishes life and away from that which drains life—drawing towards positive energy and distancing from negative energy.” Just like how plants lean towards sunlight, humans are naturally inclined to do the same.
Dr. Harry Cohen, a psychologist and executive coach, who also attended the University of Michigan, distilled this idea further: “Be the sun, not the salt,” a phrase that ultimately became the headline for his latest book.
Implementing this concept is straightforward. A heliotropic individual actively seeks chances to positively impact others and, crucially, takes action. “If you notice someone requiring help, extend a hand,” Cohen advises. “It’s a consistent practice. How can you elevate someone’s spirit? Brighten their day? Share a kind remark? Consider the finest coaches, friends, teammates, and even strangers. It represents a mindset, but it is also a lifestyle choice.
“Reliability is an attribute we appreciate in others. We value authenticity—when individuals are genuine. Gratitude is another quality we cherish. There are countless chances for us to embody these traits. The outcomes are immediate; we experience improvement in our mood, and those around us benefit as well,” Cohen remarks.
In what ways does the heliotropic effect manifest in leadership and business?
Cameron’s findings reveal that organizations led by heliotropic leaders are the most successful. “Your company will thrive across all measures, including customer retention, employee engagement, and profitability,” Cohen asserts.
Leaders must be conscious of their influence. “It’s essential for leaders to be ‘on,’ which doesn’t equate to being blissful all the time. They just need to be intentional about their emotional influence. They recognize the strength of their dialogue and use it thoughtfully to enhance their team’s performance, which then elevates their colleagues and customers as well.”
Yet, the heliotropic effect cannot simply be toggled on or off spontaneously. A fundamental principle of being heliotropic is total sincerity rather than toxic positivity. “You cannot feign this,” Cohen emphasizes. “Incorporate this into your organizational culture. It’s heliotropic to aspire for improvement and genuinely care about our customers and employees. This cultivates high performance.”
How can we recognize and recover from ‘salt’?
A heliotropic individual exercises restraint when faced with negativity, seeking opportunities to improve situations or, at the very least, avoiding exacerbating them. In the framework of the heliotropic effect, salt represents the elements that cause our growth to stifle and diminish.
“Salt signifies unkindness, disrespect, incivility, inadequate listening, selfishness, and a lack of authenticity,” Cohen clarifies. “Subtle yet detrimental communication methods at work, like ‘as mentioned in my prior email,’ can be examples. We might be curt with our colleagues, exhibit impatience, and allow rudeness to manifest, leaving others feeling belittled. Salty behavior can take many forms, particularly the nuanced types, which are often the most harmful because we dismiss their significance. All of this represents salt impacting our foundation.”
In leadership, this issue is amplified. In the realm of business, our goal is to energize both clients and coworkers, which is unattainable when leaders come across as unpredictable.
How can you determine if your leadership style fits this profile? According to Cohen, it’s evident when staff members murmur concerns like, “What mood is he in today? Avoid saying the wrong thing. You need to tread carefully around him or her.” Such an environment lacks psychological safety.
“It’s critical to foster the safety to tackle challenging conversations and question a superior or peer without encountering defense mechanisms or tension,” Cohen notes.
Strategies for heliotropic leadership
If you’re striving to embody the heliotropic effect in a workplace that has been dominated by salt, Cohen suggests five strategies to navigate this without falling into toxic positivity:
- Acknowledge that your feelings are valid. If you read about a toxic, negative, salty environment and recognize your own circumstances, you are accurate.
- Seek out a colleague or trusted advisor to discuss your feelings and help you gain perspective while brainstorming strategies. Ensure you’re in a good mental state to withstand a toxic atmosphere and identify allies.
- Resist the urge to engage with negative conversations. When you’re exposed to salty discussions, opt to remain silent.
- Remain authentic to yourself and your values. Monitor how your environment influences your self-esteem and ensure you aren’t adversely affected emotionally or physically.
- If all else fails, devise a plan to exit. While this may take time, begin developing a strategy. If you cannot transform the setting into a healthier one or influence those involved to initiate change, seek another workplace.
What steps can one take for damage control after exhibiting ‘salt’ behavior?
“When you utter something hurtful or lose your composure, it’s imperative to immediately take the next appropriate step and offer a sincere apology,” explains Cohen. “You must rectify the situation without making excuses. Acknowledge, ‘What I said was unacceptable, and I wish to make amends.’ You need to desire to [become heliotropic]… You should significantly emphasize the positive. You’re never meant to subject others to negative feelings.” In Cohen’s TED talk, he wraps up by urging his audience to emphasis creating an “afterglow” instead of an aftertaste. A heliotropic person leaves others feeling warm and uplifted. Aspiring to infuse more sunshine into our day-to-day existence may appear overly idealistic, yet the evidence supports it.
Worth a shot, wouldn’t you agree?
