A Cure for the Common Company

Introduction

PAUL'S BEEN WORKING AT A large professional services company for more than 25 years. As technology accelerated to warp speed, the challenge of keeping a sane work practice became more difficult. Balancing his busy work schedule with his other commitments became increasingly challenging and finally caused him to focus on his well‐being. Not only did he improve his diet and start running, but he also developed a meditation practice. The new habits improved his physical health, and being out in nature allowed him to decompress.

Kerry works at the same company. She recognizes that her well‐being affects her performance and admits striving for balance in her personal and professional life is challenging. Like Paul, she is conscious of eating healthy foods, exercising, and the need for getting time away from work.

What makes Paul and Kerry different from many other employees at Accenture is that they are also managers. What makes Paul and Kerry different from most managers at all companies is that they are not only trying to keep themselves healthy and well, they are also making physical and mental health part of the normal conversation with their teams.¹ They even discuss mindfulness, a skill only recently, but quickly, starting to seep into the vernacular of leadership. Paul goes as far as developing a team wellness plan and designating a team member for keeping well‐being on the team agenda. Kerry's a trained mental health ally, there to help her colleagues when they ...