PERMA-Lead®: Positive leadership as a future strategy for modern organizations
As a consultant who has been involved in leadership development for many years, I have experienced countless models and concepts. But hardly any other has convinced me as much as PERMA-Lead® - an approach that is not only scientifically sound, but also has a measurable effect and brings about long-term change.
Especially in times when companies are struggling with hybrid working models, a shortage of skilled workers and increasing complexity, we need leadership that not only manages processes but also empowers people.
What is behind PERMA-Lead®?
PERMA-Lead® is based on positive psychology and was developed by Prof. Dr. Markus Ebner specifically for everyday leadership. The model is based on five pillars of human well-being:
- P - Positive emotions: promoting joy, gratitude and confidence in everyday life
- E - Engagement: Creating flow experiences through meaningful tasks
- R - Relationships: Actively shaping appreciative relationships
- M - Meaning: Linking work with meaning and overarching purpose
- A - Accomplishment: Achieving goals and making successes visible
PERMA-Lead® supplements these elements with a decisive point: the conscious, reflective role of the leader themselves. This makes the model a practical tool for a new kind of leadership.
Why I actively use PERMA-Lead®
I work with PERMA-Lead® because it is more than just a theoretical concept - it is a framework for action that has proven itself in everyday life. I particularly appreciate:
1. targeted development of managers
- With PERMA-Lead®, leadership qualities can be specifically evaluated and further developed - on the basis of valid questionnaires and feedback instruments.
- Managers learn how to make a big impact through small changes in behavior - for example by actively practicing gratitude, giving constructive feedback or conveying a sense of purpose.
2. measurability of soft skills
- PERMA-Lead® quantifies concepts that are difficult to measure, such as trust, purpose and motivation.
- This is particularly useful for HR to manage leadership programs based on data and to legitimize them in terms of business performance.
3. increase employee loyalty & commitment
- Studies show that employees are significantly happier, more resilient and more committed under positive leadership.
- PERMA-Lead® can help to identify early indicators of churn, demotivation or burnout.
4. strengthening the employer brand
- Companies that live a positive leadership culture radiate attractiveness and future orientation.
- PERMA-Lead® offers HR a mouthpiece and framework for modern employer branding.
A practical example: PERMA-Lead® in an IT company
I introduced the model at an IT consulting firm that specializes in IT infrastructure and process automation. It employs around 120 people, including 20 managers.
Initial situation
- High fluctuation of young talent
- Lack of emotional attachment
- Managers are strongly results-oriented - social aspects are neglected
- Increasing workload due to hybrid working and remote teams
Phase 1: Analysis and kick-off Measures
Measures:
- Kick-off workshop with all managers
- Anonymous PERMA-Lead® diagnostics (status measurement)
- Interviews with key persons to analyze the current situation
Findings:
- Particularly low values for "Positive emotions" and "Relationships"
- Desire for more meaning and a culture of praise
Phase 2: Coaching and intervention
Focus areas in coaching:
- P: Development of rituals for appreciation, gratitude and humor
- E: Development of strength profiles and design of flow-promoting activities
- R: Improving the quality of communication, constructive feedback
- M: Value-based goal work and development of a common purpose
- A: Goal-setting processes with celebration and recognition rituals
Phase 3: Cultural anchoring and scaling
The task now is to systematically anchor PERMA-Lead® in the corporate culture.
Measures:
- PERMA-Lead as part of the management guidelines
- Introduction of a "PERMA-Friday" with short team impulses and gratitude rounds
- Peer coaching among managers on the basis of PERMA-Lead®
- Ongoing HR training
The result after 12 months:
- 25% reduction in employee turnover
- Increasing satisfaction among remote teams
- Greater project stability through more resilient leadership
- More innovative strength through greater emotional security
- Stronger ties between HR, management and employees
A look into the future: HR as a driver of meaningful organizations
HR plays a key role in shaping modern leadership cultures. PERMA-Lead® provides HR departments with a valid, measurable, practice-oriented and inspiring tool to:
- Targeted development of managers
- Strengthen commitment and loyalty
- Filling employer branding with life
When HR uses PERMA-Lead® strategically, a culture is created in which leadership is not defined by power or control, but by inspiration and purpose. This has an enormous impact on the organization:
- Less fluctuation, more commitment
- Greater innovative strength through psychological safety
- Faster integration of new employees through appreciative leadership
- More diversity, as positive leadership also empowers marginalized groups
Conclusion: Making leadership human
In a working world that is becoming increasingly digital and dynamic, a return to the human element is needed. PERMA-Lead® makes this possible - and provides managers and HR managers with a model that not only inspires, but also has an impact.
If you feel that your organization could develop more potential in positive leadership, I would be happy to accompany you on this path. Because the leadership of the future begins with the well-being of today.
Get to know PERMA-Lead®
Learn more about PERMA-Lead® in our free webinar with Thomas Kleiner (international consultant, business coach, and certified behavioral trainer with over 18 years of experience) on February 25 at 11:30 a.m.!
About the author:
Thomas Kleiner is an international consultant, certified behavioral trainer, business coach (dvct) and business mediator. For over 18 years, he has been supporting specialists and managers with great sensitivity in the areas of communication, leadership, project management and potential development. As a source of inspiration, he makes potential visible and supports sustainable development - using tools such as the PERMA-LEAD® profiler, INSIGHTS MDI® and DiSG. His work combines sound theory with practical business experience in sales and leadership. He is a Certified Senior Agile Project Manager (IAPM), Scrum Master and systemic coach.
If you are thinking about how positive leadership can become effective in your organization, I would be happy to support you. Together we will develop an approach that translates PERMA-Lead® into your leadership practice - comprehensible, measurable and sustainable.
You can find out what this can look like here: Case studies & experience reports