The Healthy Organizations Model discussed here is the culmination of over two decades of educational and professional experience working in small and medium sized organizations, both for-profit and non-profit. This model doesn’t exclude other approaches to measuring and improving organizational health. In fact, this model works best when used in conjunction with other approaches to organizational development.
This model first grew out of my exploration of servant leadership, the idea that an organization exists to uplift and empower employees. I believe in servant leadership, but I am realistic that most organizations are not ready for the wholesale change required to reorient themselves as servant-led organizations. Instead of dismissing the framework, I integrated it into this model.
This model doesn’t start at the top, however. We begin with the individual. Healthy individuals are included in an organization’s corporate life. Individuals are given the autonomy and psychological safety to learn, to contribute to the organization’s goals, and to challenge coworkers and the organization. Healthy individuals also have responsibilities. You can read more about healthy individuals here.
Healthy individuals are the building blocks of healthy teams. Healthy individuals aren’t islands; most of their work is done in teams, either organized or ad hoc. A healthy individual is more likely to be a member of a healthy team, but healthy teams do not occur accidentally. These teams must build trust and understanding by taking a genuine interest in the health and safety of all members. You can learn more about healthy teams here.
Healthy teams demand leadership that is also healthy. A healthy and functional team will reject incapable leadership. Every leader has a responsibility to themselves and the people they lead to operate at their highest level. Healthy leaders are, above all, connected to individual and team realities. Emotional intelligence and compassion are hallmarks of healthy leaders, but that can manifest in myriad ways. To learn more about healthy leaders, click here.
