The Global SMP Fitness Framework : A guide for leaders exploring the relevance of spirituality in the workplace

Purpose – Although there is a growing emphasis on the importance of spirituality in the workplace, the majority of calls for leaders to consider the spiritual dimension fail to offer assistance in a meaningful way, and in a language to which leaders can relate, with the challenges of doing this. The purpose of this paper is to offer leaders practical guidance. After providing a summary of the reasons for a leader to examine spirituality in the workplace, questions are highlighted which look at how to nurture the spiritual dimension in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have developed a holistic framework, and use this to guide leaders through the complexities of working with the spiritual phenomenon. They draw on their experience as leaders and on Smith's research with leaders of organisations, and his PhD, which explored the possibility of a greater spiritual focus within the UK police. Findings – Eight key questions for leaders are identified as the route through the complexities of this topic. The authors share their thoughts and the research evidence related to these questions and, while there are no easy answers, these questions can be used by the reader to help them decide for themselves what to do in the context of their own organisation. Practical implications – There are many calls for leaders to embrace the spiritual dimension in their leadership role, and many explanations as to why they should do this. However, there are a number of practical issues to be considered if this is to be done effectively, and the majority of calls do not examine these questions. This paper addresses this need and identifies the important practical questions that leaders will need to consider. Originality/value – The paper's unique contribution is to offer a framework that incorporates the spiritual dimension into a holistic approach, and guides leaders on all the areas to consider in this approach. The eight questions identified are original and provocative and encourage leaders to consider the practical issues of nurturing spirituality in the workplace. The framework and questions also offer an excellent structure on which future research can be built.