In this edition of the Managerial Excellence Masterclasses, we had the pleasure of welcoming Eric Mellet, a management expert and speaker, to discuss his book “The Positive Organization”. With 30 years of experience at L’Oréal and a passion for collaborative learning, Eric shares his advice on how to create organizations where economic performance, the search for meaning, and personal fulfillment coexist harmoniously. Eric gave us the 5 pillars for a positive organization and its keys to success! Ready to discover how to make your company a positive organization?
The Positive Organization: Utopia or Reality?
Eric begins with a key reflection: why associate the terms organization and positive? According to him, although an organization can often seem rigid and restrictive, it is possible to make it attractive and fulfilling. However, it’s not about idealizing the concept, because in any company, there are ups and downs. The goal is to encourage a more optimistic and constructive vision of the company, while recognizing the inherent challenges of any organization.
The Growth Mindset: Key to Success
In his book, Eric presents 10 keys to creating a positive organization, starting with the growth mindset. Quoting Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right,” he explains that employees’ attitude and mindset play a decisive role in an organization’s performance. A growth mindset is characterized by agility, the ability to embrace uncertainty, and constant learning.
Continuous Learning: a Permanent Process
Eric emphasizes that learning in business is not limited to acquiring technical skills. A learning organization is built around a permanent learning process, both individual and collective. This process must be accepted as an integral part of the organization’s functioning, enabling employees to develop continuously.
The Pillars of the Positive Organization
To help companies implement a positive organization, Eric proposes five pillars:
- Cultivate a rich inner life: Encourage employees to refocus on their personal values and aspirations.
- Live in accordance with one’s values: Create an environment where employees can be authentic and aligned with their principles.
- Appreciate beauty: Encourage creativity and the ability to see the positive in difficult situations.
- Cultivate humor: Foster a more relaxed and less stressful work environment.
- Project oneself into the future: Empower employees to envision a fulfilling long-term career.
Psychological Safety: Essential for Innovation
Another essential aspect of a positive organization is psychological safety. Employees must feel safe to express new ideas, take risks, and even make mistakes without fear of negative repercussions. According to Eric, psychological safety is the foundation upon which a learning culture and innovation rest. This allows employees to feel confident in their relationships with their peers and managers.
Positive Deviants: Drivers of Change
Eric also discusses the concept of positive deviants: individuals within organizations who innovate, exceed expectations, and demonstrate exceptional agility. Although they may sometimes disrupt due to their differences, these positive deviants are pioneers who show the way. Instead of focusing solely on problems, it is essential to encourage these positive behaviors and learn from them to spread change throughout the organization.
The Manager as Coach
In a positive organization, the manager’s role evolves. The manager as coach is not just a technical expert, but also supports their employees in their personal and professional development. The manager must help team members find their own solutions, rather than imposing a direction. This requires patience, active listening, and genuine self-reflection to become an empathetic and inspiring leader.
In a nutshell…
The positive organization is not a utopia, but a tangible reality for companies ready to change their perspective. Eric Mellet offers us a concrete guide to developing organizations where performance and fulfillment go hand in hand, by placing human values at the heart of the management model.
Don’t miss the next Masterclass!