Take the Stairs.

• Author: Severson, Adam
• Position: LEADERS

Our firm recently completed a weight loss challenge to encourage fitness and well-being. It was sponsored by our health insurance provider and included fairly lucrative prize money for teams and individuals. The competition comprised teams of three across the firm, and percentage of weight loss was the measurement used to evaluate success. We had five teams on the marketing and business development team, and our commitment to this challenge led us to take the stairs at least once a day, if not twice. This quick jolt of exercise (starting at the 10th floor, climbing down to the bottom and then back up again) got our heart rates going. It also allowed us to connect on what was going on in our day or weekend, what we wished we were eating or how we might spend our prize money should we win! Several of us groaned at first mention of doing the stairs, but we always were glad when we finished, and people even felt left out if they didn't get to participate on any given day.

Taking the stairs led to camaraderie, which led to results. In fact, my department lost a combined 166 pounds. Now with the challenge in the rearview mirror, we continue to do the stairs--not so much for the health benefits, but for an opportunity to connect and take a break from our demanding roles. It occurred to me that taking the stairs symbolizes so many wonderful aspects of my life:

* It proves that one of the hardest...