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SPIRITUALITY AND BUSINESS
(They Don't Have to Be an Oxymoron!)
By Rhonda Chaikin
The
term "Spirituality and Business" can conjure up a variety of responses,
including: "Is spirituality the same as religion?"; or "I would never bring my
spirituality into my business life!"; and "Will combining spirituality and
business sacrifice the bottom line?"
Well, I would like to offer a few ideas
about how we can, in fact, integrate spirituality and business to create overall
success, without sacrificing the bottom line, and without revealing our personal
beliefs and feelings if we so choose.
First,
though, it might be helpful to discuss what in the world is meant by the term
"spirituality"? Although each person has their own definition and concept of the
term "spirituality", I would like to propose the concept that spirituality is a
way of being, or how we live our life.
And as a way of being, what principles
and values do we strive for in our life? I would venture to guess that values
such as honesty, integrity, mindfulness, responsibility, and heart might come to
mind. I propose then that values such as those are examples of principles that
might comprise our spirituality - our way of being.
Carrying this concept further, if spirituality is a way of being and how we are
in our life, I suggest the idea that we are this way of being all the time -
24/7. Furthermore, this way of being forms the basis and foundation for every
aspect of our life, including our professional and business life. Consequently,
I suggest that there is no delineation between spirituality and business. At
least, that's how I see it!
So
then, how do we integrate spirituality with business in easy, concrete ways? To
answer that question, please consider using the following guideline. As
business professionals, what is our relationship with (or impact on):
-
Our
employees, customers, associates, etc.
-
Our
community, society as a whole
-
The
environment and nature
-
Ourselves
-
A
Higher Power
We
each will have our own response to that list but here are a few brief
ideas on how we might integrate spirituality and business:
-
Creating a positive impact on and/or relationship with all of the items
listed above
- Respectful of ourselves
and others
- Giving back to the
community
- Conservation practices
- Balancing our personal,
professional & spiritual life
- Inner connection
with a higher power
- Active listening;
communication
- Promoting diversity
- Consumerism
- Staying true to our
values/principles
- Coming from the Heart
Are there any of the above suggestions that cannot be applied in our
everyday business life? Are there any that would detract from the
bottom line or not feel comfortable to carry out? I truly believe
the answers lie within each of you!
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