Use This Powerful Theory to Be a Better Leader

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world of business, skilled and agile leadership is essential. Those in such positions have a responsibility to set the tone, drive innovation, and inspire others to achieve. One powerful way is to take advantage of Rene Girard’s theory of imitation.

French historian, literary critic and philosopher Girard developed a theory of human behavior that emphasizes the role of imitation and desire in social interaction. His conception was based on the idea that humans are fundamentally imitative creatures from an early age, and that our desires and behaviors are largely shaped by those of the people around us. The resulting theory has received a great deal of attention in recent years, especially among business leaders and entrepreneurs, as it provides a powerful framework for understanding both employee and consumer behavior.

The process is simple; When we see someone else achieve or gain something we want, we are more likely to mimic their behavior with the same expectation. , it is recommended to apply this agitation in the stimulating process.

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In a way, we are always in competition with others, trying to outdo them in pursuing our common desires. However, this competition can often lead to conflict and rivalry, especially in a business environment where individuals may have different goals and aspirations. Ideally, it helps you find ways to communicate it in a positive way, such as encouraging healthy competition or collaboration where team members work together to achieve a common goal. In this culture of camaraderie and innovation, employees can feel valued, involved and motivated to reach their full potential.

To take advantage of Girard’s theory, leaders can choose from several strategies (or apply them all).

• Lead by example Describe the behaviors and attitudes you want others to emulate in your organization.

• identify common desires and goals; and align them with organizational goals.

• Create a culture of collaboration We value teamwork, open communication, and shared ownership.

• Foster innovation Encourage creativity and creativity by creating an environment that values ​​pioneering ideas.

Related: 9 Ways Your Company Can Drive Innovation

To put these strategies into action, follow these steps:

1: Assess your current company culture and identify areas for improvement.

2: Set goals and objectives that align with the company’s vision and mission.

3: Communicate this new approach to employees and provide training and resources to support their success.

4: Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

To illustrate some key aspects of imitation theory, consider the example of Microsoft. In 2014, the company’s new CEO, Satiana Della, adopted a “growth mindset” that emphasizes collaboration, creativity and innovation. He encouraged employees to work together to achieve common goals and provided a platform for exchanging ideas. Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft’s stock price nearly tripled and the company’s market capitalization grew to over his $2 trillion.

Another kind of example is the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, great gatsbyJay Gatsby’s character, who seems to embody the American Dream, becomes the object of desire for many other characters in the novel, including narrator Nick Carraway and Gatsby’s ex-girlfriend Daisy Buchanan. They imitate his actions and embrace similar desires, hoping to achieve similar success and happiness. , helps highlight the dangerous potential of unrestrained imitation desires. Business leaders can also learn from this by finding ways to communicate desires positively by fostering healthy competition and collaboration. can do.

Related: Entrepreneurship and Eudaimonia: The Pursuit of Lasting Happiness

Giraud’s theory provides a roadmap to understanding the power of imitation and achieving success. With the right strategy, leaders can apply it to their teams to achieve greatness and take their company to the next level.