Wednesday, March 3, 2010

How do leaders promote and support the health and well-being of those they lead?

We were treated to the Olympics last month.  As I watched those athletes compete as both the finest example of human health and fitness, as well as the finest representation of people and nations at their very best, my thoughts turned to mere mortals -- my own health, and the health of those I lead, serve, and work with.  Of ensuring the health and well-being of the people you lead, I have been advised that:
Leaders consider the environment in which they and their people work, attending to safety and well-being. They effectively identify and manage stress. They set a personal health example with emphasis on a program of physical fitness and emotional strength. Leaders encourage others to develop personal programs including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
My question, therefore, is:

How do we, as leaders of teams, organizations, corporations, government -- and wherever else we work -- promote and support the health and well-being of the people we lead (and, ultimately, serve)?


I am eager for your thoughts, and thankful for your leadership!



Incidentally, you are correct if your first thought is "Coast Guard Leadership Development Framework."  Indeed, I didn't make up the description of "Health and Well Being" listed above, but rather pulled it from the "Health and Well Being" competency in the U.S. Coast Guard's very fine leadership framework.  The table below, sourced from that manual, provides a snapshot that may help guide your thinking.