Savoir-Relier is a leading approach to leadership introduced and developed by Valérie Gauthier of HEC Paris. Meaning ‘knowing how to connect’, it places the creation and strengthening of human relationships at the foundation of effective leadership and highlights their importance in today’s complex, changing world.
The origins of Savoir-Relier
The approach emerged in the 1990s in response to a growing need for new leadership models for the twenty-first century. Savoir-Relier is both a skill and a management philosophy, emphasising relational intelligence: the ability to develop deep, meaningful connections with the people around us. It sees effective relationships and an understanding of contemporary complexity as essential to leadership success.
The guiding principles of Savoir-Relier
- Self-awareness: Savoir-Relier encourages leaders to understand themselves, their strengths, weaknesses and personal values. This self-knowledge enables more honest, transparent relationships.
- The importance of human relationships: While many leadership models focus primarily on strategy and outcomes, Savoir-Relier puts relationships at the centre. Effective leadership begins by building and strengthening deep, meaningful connections.
- Trust and transparent communication: Creating an environment of openness and honesty is particularly important. Such an environment strengthens trust between team members and leaders.
- Embracing diversity and difference: The approach values individual and cultural differences as resources for innovation and addressing complex problems.
- Resilience and flexibility: Savoir-Relier emphasises resilience in the face of challenges and flexibility when unexpected changes occur. Leaders need to adapt promptly to changing circumstances and manage the tensions they create.
Applications and impact
The approach has been used successfully in major international companies such as Pernod Ricard and L’Oréal, with positive outcomes in internal communication, team effectiveness and innovative working environments. Drawing on relational intelligence and sensory information, Savoir-Relier helps leaders make more informed decisions and respond constructively to unpredictable change.
Conclusion
As a human-centred, relationship-based approach, Savoir-Relier helps leaders build cohesive, motivated teams that can withstand challenges. In a world where complexity and rapid change shape organisational success, it offers a way to create positive, lasting change.
By emphasising self-awareness, trust, diversity and resilience, it helps leaders respond effectively to complex challenges and develop dynamic workplaces that prioritise innovation and collaboration. Treating human relationships as the key to effective leadership, it offers a comprehensive approach that can improve organisational performance and team satisfaction.
HEC Paris and Valérie Gauthier
HEC Paris, École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Paris, is one of the world’s oldest and most respected business schools. Founded in 1881, it has long been recognised among leading business schools in Europe and worldwide. Its educational programmes, innovative research and extensive alumni network contribute to the development of global leaders.
The school offers programmes at undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and executive levels. Its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development has earned it prominent places in international business-school rankings.
Valérie Gauthier is a leading figure in leadership education at HEC Paris. Drawing on expertise in literature, psychology and management, she created and developed Savoir-Relier. The approach emphasises human relationships in leadership and offers ways to manage complex relationships in demanding working environments.
Introduced by Gauthier in the 1990s, Savoir-Relier helps leaders strengthen relational intelligence and build meaningful connections as they guide organisations through contemporary challenges. Her books, including Leading with Sense: The Intuitive Power of Savoir-Relier, are used as leadership and management references by managers and researchers around the world.
Through advanced educational programmes, including the Leadership Certificate, HEC Paris and Gauthier help future leaders develop the abilities needed to guide complex organisations while pursuing personal and professional development.
The school and faculty members such as Gauthier play a central role in educating leaders capable of bringing positive, lasting change to organisations and society. Through innovative teaching and advanced executive programmes, HEC Paris is recognised as a leading centre for leadership development.
