Being Well and Leading Well

Abstract

Purpose of the paper – The paper aims to raise awareness about the interconnected nature of lead-ers’ wellbeing and the wellbeing of the organisations which they head. Leaders have a key role to play in recognising individual and collective responsibilities and showing the way towards a more human and healthier way of life. The benefits of connecting mind, heart and the felt sense are high-lighted in the paper. It is argued that integrating practices of mindfulness and embodiment into the organisational culture can increase the levels of wellbeing, trust, honesty and the openness of com-munication. Design/methodology/approach – This is a proposition paper based on a critical review of some as-pects of the literature on leadership. Findings – The paper provides evidence to support the interconnected nature of leaders’ wellbeing and the wellbeing of their organisations. Development programmes are recommended to support not only the intellect but also the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of individuals. Research limitations/implications – This is a piece of secondary research and does not offer first-hand empirical evidence to support the findings. Originality/value – This paper highlights the need to study individual and organisational wellbeing in a more multi-disciplinary and interconnected way.