Entrepreneurs and Stewardship
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Posted By: Jon C. on October 16, 2007 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. _____________________________ The Baltimore Renaissance Foundation is a nonprofit youth leadership organization promoting positive social change through entrepreneurship. More info at The Baltimore Renaissance Foundation, Inc.. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jon C.
Benefits Management Analyst, State of Ohio Hampton University class of 2004 Member Since July 2003 |
Comments
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Deep blog Bro, appreciate the posting of an issue that is as prevalent in society as everyday gossip. The old cliche that power corrupts is as big an issue today as it was when the Bible was being written in the Old Testament. Great to see you are involved in an organization that profits our youth, we need it soo badly in these days and times. When I was growing up I don't remember in the areas that I grew up programs for youth, maybe some youth will see the validity in that. I am a big believer in destiny/greatness and I think all who share in any kind of pain that rise above it have to have some kind of faith. I state that God gives Kingdoms and also the devil. 1 is forever and the other corrupts corrodes... Some people choose the positve and some choose filth but those who choose filth are the ones we read about everyday. I can think of Britney Spears 1st video and I said to myself she is going to have future problems and when she came up with the words that something like she is not a good girl, well we see the results of that, she spoke it and chose things in her life to cause her downfall... If you have seen her lately this is a primary point you came up when you stated in my blog how beauty fades and money goes. She looks old beyond her years and her former back up dancer is sucking her dry financially... Prayerfully that young lady I don't think is 25 yet will snap out of it. Saturday, October 20th 2007 at 1:17AM |
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