Co-created by Prof. Csikszentmihalyi
The Father of Flow
FLIGBY was co-created by Prof. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the man who gave Flow to the world.
Prof. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (29 September 1934, Fiume, Italy – 20 October 2021, Claremont, US) pronounced “me-HIGH chick-sent-me-HIGH-ee,” is one of the greatest psychologists of our age. He was a legendary pioneer of Positive Psychology and the father of the world-famous Flow theory, as the first to describe and name the special state of mind when the skills and challenges are in balance. The FLIGBY project’s development was completed in partnership with him.
“May the Flow be with you, Mihaly” – Summary of an extraordinary life
Prof. Csikszentmihalyi developed the concept of Flow through his extensive research on human happiness and creativity. His journey began in the 1970s when he observed artists and athletes deeply immersed in their work, experiencing intense focus and fulfillment. He conducted in-depth interviews and studies to understand this phenomenon better, analyzing the conditions that led to these optimal experiences. Csikszentmihalyi identified vital elements of Flow, such as challenging yet attainable goals, immediate feedback, and a balance between skill and challenge. His groundbreaking work culminated in the publication of his book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,” which has since influenced various fields, including psychology, education, and business.
Many people have been inspired to creativity by Csikszentmihalyi’s ideas. But only a few people know that the Flow theory’s widespread use results from “an unusual association.” In 1993, Jimmy Johnson, coach of the Dallas Cowboys, showed the book on Flow to the camera during the break of the Super Bowl, explaining that the ideas in that exceptional book had significantly contributed to the team’s preparation. It was a good reference, as the team won the Super Bowl that year.
The five best books of Dr. Flow – From “Flow” to “Creativity” and “Good business”
Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management
Csikszentmihalyi significantly contributed to the business application of Flow in his 2003 book – Good Business: Leadership, Flow, and the Making of Meaning. His research in “Good Business: Leadership, Flow, and the Making of Meaning” introduced a transformative perspective on leadership by emphasizing the psychological factors contributing to practical work and employee engagement. His exploration of Flow highlighted how leaders can create environments that foster deep employee engagement and satisfaction, which is crucial for productivity and innovation. By linking the concept of Flow to leadership practices, Csikszentmihalyi encouraged leaders to prioritize organizational goals and the well-being and personal growth of their teams. This approach opened new dimensions in leadership studies, shifting the focus from traditional management techniques to more holistic, human-centered strategies. Ultimately, his work has inspired leaders to cultivate meaningful work experiences that align with individual aspirations and organizational success.
The New York Times writer Richard Flaste called Csikszentmihalyi “a man obsessed by happiness,” and in a society likewise obsessed, Csikszentmihalyi became known as something of a guru. Followers regularly hold meetings devoted to Flow theory in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and government officials have been examining how to translate the idea of Flow into public policy.
Flow in Action
Prof. Csikszentmihalyi co-created FLIGBY’s first edition, a leadership simulation game designed to help leaders understand how to foster a Flow-promoting work environment. His expertise in the psychology of Flow informed the game’s development, ensuring that it effectively illustrates how leaders can enhance employee engagement and performance. Through FLIGBY, players experience scenarios that reflect the principles outlined in his book “Good Business,” which connects Flow theory to organizational success.
FLIGBY not only serves as a practical application of his research but also aims to help leaders cultivate meaningful work experiences for their teams. Ultimately, Csikszentmihalyi’s involvement in FLIGBY bridges the gap between psychological theory and real-world leadership practices, promoting a deeper understanding of achieving optimal performance in business settings.
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