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Feed Your Employees' Souls and Reap the Benefits
 
The long-term success of your company may depend less on R&D, new product launches, or quality improvement practices than on the spiritual values - or "heart" - of your organization. According to Margaret Benefiel, PhD, author of Soul at Work: Spiritual Leadership in Organizations, consumers today, primarily in response to the Enron and Worldcom debacles, are seeking to do business with companies that embody strong moral values. Additionally, employees themselves are seeking greater meaning and depth in their work and working environments.

Workplace spirituality focuses not so much on God and theology as it does on morality, ethics, and common-thread values that exist in most world religions.

William C. Miller, Co-founder of the Global Dharma Center, explains that "fundamental human values such as concern for well-being, responsibility, love, truth, and inner peace provide the foundation to every major spiritual tradition." He further points out, "These fundamental human values also directly support established business values such as how:

 concern for well-being fosters great service

 responsibility fosters trust and quality

 caring fosters collaboration and daring

 truthfulness fosters honest relationships

 equanimity fosters creative, wise decisions."¹

While most every business today articulates its core values in the form of a mission statement, the question becomes: Are these companies living their mission and exemplifying their values in everything they do? Many employees and customers say no. They want to work for - and with - companies that communicate their values through actions, not just words. Employees, in particular, are gravitating towards those companies that are committed to social justice, the environment, corporate responsibility, and the interconnectedness of mind-body-spirit.

I believe that the same values grounded in families are often the same values that employees hope to find and/or establish in their workplace. Given the amount of time people spend on the job and with their coworkers, it seems reasonable that, as a tribal people, we would seek the same sense of belonging and stability that we experienced growing up. In order for an employee to experience a sense of belonging, however, they need to find the deeper meaning in their work and they need to know that the company they work for exists for a higher purpose - not simply to generate profits.

Some things you can do to infuse your organization with a new sense of spirit:

1) Start each meeting with a moment of silence. This allows

2) Encourage meditation "time-out" sessions throughout the day. Meditation has been proven to revitalize, energize, enhance clarity of thought, and reduce stress.

3) Be generous with paid spiritual and religious holidays. In today's diverse workplace, we must be cognizant and respectful of differing beliefs and practices.

4) Form Master Mind groups throughout the organization and encourage brainstorming and barn-raising activities among employees. People genuinely enjoy helping one another, so provide ample opportunities for employees to enrich their spirits by giving.

5) Promote what Whitney Roberson calls "divine hospitality" in your workplace. Roberson, executive director of the Spirituality at Work organization, explains, "All that we do at work is connected to something greater than what we can see. It means holding to the greater perspective and acting from it."

6) During the holidays, and randomly throughout the year, set aside time for management and employees to publicly recognize the gifts, talents, and contributions of their teammates.

7) Encourage volunteerism. One of the most sure-fire ways to enhance self-esteem, draw people together, and promote "spirit" is to give back. Learn about and assist the charities your employees support and join with them in sponsoring fundraising and service events.

8) Allow your employees some "sacred space" in their work area. A small artifact can rejuvenate an employee's spirit and keep them focused on the greater purpose of their work.

9) Encourage wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Offer healthy eating.

10) Make ethical behavior a core competency. Ask employees to continually self-monitor their actions and words, and to always ask themselves, "Is this the right thing to do?"

11) Encourage - and demonstrate - trust. Assume the best in your employees and have faith in them.


1. The Inner Edge, Vol. 2 No. 5, October/November 1999

Debra Davenport, PhD, is a Master Professional Mentor and the president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm with offices in Los Angeles and Phoenix that mentors entrepreneurs and professionals. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor® designation and certification program and the author of The Ten Commitments of Highly Successful People. debra@davenportfolio.com or (866) 232-6492.

 

 
 

 

 

     
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