According to Harry Cohen, Psychologist and Author of Be The Sun Not The Salt, The Heliotropic Effect is the tendency for all living systems to move towards light and away from darkness…or rather, towards that which is life-giving and away from that which endangers life. It’s why a plant placed on a windowsill tilts toward the sun. The sun is a positive, heliotropic source of energy that attracts and gives life to all living things.
Much like plants, we as humans gravitate towards energy that lifts us up and shy away from energy that depletes us. If you shine the light of positive practices on those around you, they’re going to follow it, because it is human tendency to follow the light. Some people are very heliotropic, and some, not so much. Those who are, inspire those around them.
That is why great leaders are heliotropic – they inspire others to join their journey and in the process to give their best.
Below are two videos:
- TED talk by Harry Cohen explaining the heliotropic principle
- The 6 Signs That You’re Dealing With A Toxic Person
Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.