Many of my consultant friends have backgrounds in corporate life. Like the canaries of old, many of them found a different kind of toxicity and decided to leave the corporate world and focus on trying to influence corporate clients into becoming healthier places to work - less dysfunctional and more conscious. Many of these consultants left the corporate world to specialize in organizational design or development. Many focus on large scale change, often called transformational or breakthrough.
While coal miners might have been gasping for air as they emerged from the mines, forewarned by the canaries, these consultants emerged from the corporate innards gasping for something different – something less tangible than fresh air. Perhaps we could call it fresh air for the soul. In the absence of canaries these people were more sensitive than the majority and could detect toxicity of a different kind – perhaps a spiritual toxicity.
Nearly all the consultants I know have big hearts and want to make a positive difference in the world. Having had an experience that was less than optimal, they have chosen careers of service in making the work experience something more fulfilling, joyous and fun. God bless them all!
