Although our HBCUs have done very well in teaching the technical aspects of business and creating some extrordinary businesspeople, I think that there is one important element that's been overlooked.
Character is essential to success as an entrepreneur or executive. Those in positions of power have their strength and morality tested daily. The foundation of character begins not with self (as our emotions are easily manipulated), but something greater than self. In that sense, it ultimately leads us to one conclusion: Accepting the fact that an understanding and acceptance of God and His influence are inseparable from success in business.
Because of the great power and responsibility held by business owners, we must remain centered in something other than self-interest, or the general concept of "doing good". When placed under pressure, both of those things give way easily, but a spiritual foundation will withstand what our individual strength cannot.
In our individual eyes, we aspire to greatness and we have our personal goals and ambitions, but the principles of Christian belief teach that our greatness is predestined; believers accept that success is already guaranteed should we maintain our focus. It's easy for us to postpone our dreams and become discouraged, but it is very difficult for someone centered in God to reject their mission. The difference shows itself when we reach our breaking point. There is a decision to continue or withdraw - while our flawed logic tells us to give up, faith is the only human emotion that will compel us to ignore self.
Looking through today's newspaper, you'll find many examples of "leaders" who were unable to reconcile their financial or political success with their lack of character. Our nation is full of cheats, criminals, abusers, and half-hearted leaders who do not have the strength to do their duty. As future world leaders, it is imperative that we prepare ourselves for what lies ahead.
We often talk about "ethics" and "values" in business; however values without a reference point are useless - who's to say what is a priority, and how do you tell when the values are successfully applied? This is why most corporate mission and vision statements are worthless - it is obvious that most employees don't feel obligated to live by them.
Within a Christian worldview, ethics are part of one's core beliefs, and are incorporated into one's daily activities. The organization takes on a larger role in being accountable to its community, its nation, and ultimately to its Godly purpose. This in itself would allow the business to become effective and profitable in ways that would otherwise be unimaginable.
This isn't intended to focus on adherence to any particular ideology or religious doctrine, but rather simply to acknowledge that your business is a tool that can and should be used to advance God's will for your life. Although we express our faith differently, some of us attend worship service and others do not; what is most important is that we accept that we have a purpose in life, and our careers and businesses are intended to help us fulfill that purpose.
We are the stewards of the financial, human, and physical assets of our communities, and we have the responsibility to manage them in an ethical and productive way. When artificially-created values and mission fail, we must return to our original mission and our original values.
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The Baltimore Renaissance Foundation is a nonprofit youth leadership organization promoting positive social change through entrepreneurship. More info at The Baltimore Renaissance Foundation, Inc..
Posted By: Jon C.
Tuesday, October 16th 2007 at 12:06PM
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