More thoughts...

After reading Charles Handy’s article, “What’s a Business For?”, below are some personal thoughts and take-aways.

Virtue and integrity are important to the economy because it brings balance and financial equality.  Greed and dishonesty result in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.  Businesses that lack virtue and integrity, and are self-serving, will not endure over time.  A stable economy necessitates honest, stable, and enduring businesses.

The business world justifies financial success because making a profit allows a company to do something more or even better, or maybe change the world.

Two of Handy’s business ideals that I agree with include working less hours, but more efficiently and doing no harm.  I know that I personally work better and am more productive when I’ve had sufficient rest.  Rest includes sleep and leisure.  I find it very important to recharge my batteries often, if I want my brain to be sharp and motivated.  As a medical professional “doing no harm” has deep meaning for me.  We can’t bulldoze our way through life with our own agenda.  We may feel like we are making great progress, not noticing the path of devastation we’ve left behind.  The great businesses of the world seem to mold and shape their business ideas around what’s best for their clients, customers, and society. 

I was also touched this week as I watched/listened to Elder Gay’s talk, “Entrepreneurship and Consecration.”  I couldn’t help but think of an experience I had in Africa.  I was only in country for a short 24 hours and met a native nice young man trying to make a living.  He was an entrepreneur or sorts, talking with tourists and trying to sell his personal art work.  His tactics were creative.  A two-hour personal tour of the city led up to a plea for a donation.  At that point, I was happy to donate even without receiving one or two of his master pieces.  He took a big risk investing so much time in two tourists, but it was worth the pay off in the end and very deserving.  I will forever remember this young man.  He freely served me without contractual obligation, once I was satisfied, only then did he ask for a donation.  And that donation even came with a personalized souvenir, a memorable memento.  So much to learn from a man born in humble circumstance.  Could I survive off of donations for my services?  Would I provide a better service without knowing the end profit?