17. SDT, PERMA and Autonomy Supportive Behaviors

This chapter focuses on the application of self-determination theory and discusses the ways that a servant leader can be autonomy supportive and provide need satisfaction for followers. Rocchi, Couture, and Pelletier (Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14(6):852–859, 2013) defined autonomy supportive behaviors as offering meaningful choice and allowing others to have a say in the decision-making process, minimizing pressure and control, and acknowledging the feelings of others. Autonomy supportive behaviors lead to need satisfaction and increased self-determined motivation. At the other end of the spectrum from autonomy supportive coaching, controlling coaching behaviors include intimidation, conditional negative regard (withholding care and affection when athletes do not behave as demanded), and disproportionate personal control (including personal lives). Controlling coaching behaviors recognized to show results in the short term but have extensive negative emotional, behavioral, and performance-related consequences in the long-run. In this chapter, specific behaviors are shared that provide psychological need support. Outcomes of need satisfaction are revisited and the feedback loop of the model—that positive follower outcomes enhance leader well-being and need satisfaction and motivates a leader to continue to serve—is shared. Finally, the ways that PERMA elements can support need satisfaction for leaders is discussed.