Can we show our symbol of faith at work?

Scriptures in the Workplace

Many of my Christian colleagues in the workplace represent their faith by wearing an emblem around their necks depicting the death and suffering of the Savior upon the cross. Other colleagues who are the Sons of Judah often showcase the “Star of David” in reference to the covenants the Lord made with King David regarding His chosen people.

As Latter-day Saints in the workplace, how can we show our symbol of faith?  Perhaps we should first ask: what is our symbol?

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Shielding your business against economic crisis

SCRIPTURES IN THE WORKPLACE

Kyle Morey

Perhaps one of the most popular characters in the Book of Mormon, Captain Moroni takes center stage in the forty-third chapter of Alma as he prepares his soldiers to defend their liberties, lives and religious believes against the Lamanites. After consulting with the Prophet Alma, Moroni employs both offensive stratagems and defensive maneuvers to protect his people. He uses stratagem in placing his armies and he uses wisdom in taking the time to outfit each solider with weapons of war and just as importantly, shields, armor, breastplates, and head gear for protection.

Although outnumbered two to one, the well-protected Nephites gain the upper hand in battle as their spears and swords find little resistance on the bare skins of the Lamanites.

How can we as professionals and owners protect our businesses through offensive stratagem and defensive maneuvers?

Armor for Business

Three P’s of Protection for Your Business

In my humble opinion, there are three overarching principles of protection for your business in today’s marketplace. People. Profit. Progress.

People. As a connections facilitator, I come across several responses to the most frequent inquiry in networking: how does your company differ from that of your competition?

“We are focused on the customer!”

“We have the best prices in town!”

“We deliver on time!”

“We exceed expectations…everytime!”

Although these may all be true statements, I would like to venture what separates your business from your competition – and it can not be duplicated whatsoever – is you…and your people.

What separated Moroni and his warriors from those of the Lamanites? The people themselves. The Nephites’ cause was freedom from oppression, liberty to practice their religion, and defending their nation, lands, and families. The Lamanites had a cause – to bring the Nephites under their domain to wipe out the “Church of God.” Because of their faith and just cause, the Lord demonstrated His power by empowering the Nephites to defeat the Lamanites.

A side note (but clearly aligned with people in your organization), what is your cause as a business? What drives you and your employees? Some call this a mission statement. For example, as a hub for commerce in my region, One Southern Indiana (my employer), strives to grow the business economy by assisting individual companies with individualized tools and resources. Similarly, I back another company that strives to connect businesses in order to create commerce in the region. Providing quality products and services are bi-products of the cause. Specific strategies then would include creating profit and continuing progression.

Your Assets

Back to your people, how do they both protect you and become a force for your cause? Perhaps we should consider adopting some copy from the Boy Scouts of America with this slight change: a business professional (employee, team member, etc.) is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent (might add skilled in his/her field).

How can you turn your people into your greatest assets…and not liabilities?

Profit. Charles Sawyer said “profit is the ignition system of our economic system.” Look at our current economic environment. Which businesses are suffering during this self-produced crisis? Reading in a local business publication, a business owner said that if their bank were to discontinue their line of credit, they would be forced to shut their doors. Imagine the results if businesses practiced the principle of “put away for a rainy day?” Would not many of us consider today’s economic landscape under a downpour?

The Nephites needed capital to fund their war. One source of funding came from the people of Ammon or the Anti-Nephi-Lehites. Due to their previous aggressive state, these blessed people – upon conversion to the Gospel – made a solemn covenant to rid themselves of their weapons of war and to never take them up again. These defector Lamanites were given land and protection among the Nephites. In exchange for this (and perhaps because they were under covenant not to fight) the people of Ammon assisted in funding the Nephites’ war.

Let’s put this in an if/then statement. If your business is properly funded and its people continue to produce profit, you will be better protected against future downtowns.

How long could your business survive if it stopped writing contracts?

Progress. “Progress is the life-style of man…it is the stride of God.” – Victor Hugo

With the right people and a little profit, you have few limits to what you can accomplish. It is the daily, weekly, monthly, annual progress that defines your success. Do you record your progress? Do recognize it? Are you always in a state of continuous improvement? Do you and your staff need continuous training?

When asked “what manner of men ought ye to be,” the Lord replied “even as I am.” In other words, we are commanded to be perfect. Last I checked, not a single soul other than the Savior earned the title of perfection. The answer? Continued progress. As human beings we are striving to become like our Heavenly Father through Christ’s example. As business owners and employees, we are striving to perfect our craft. Within this structure, a business protects against stagnation.

How can you better protect your business and be on the offense by utilizing your people, creating profit, and progressing toward perfection?

General Conference at Work

This weekend I wasn’t able to enjoy General Conference from home as I would have liked.  Still wanting to take in conference addresses, I decided to spend each day this week listening to a different session in my office.  In addition to the outstanding counsel offered by Church leaders, the Spirit has really been introduced to my work day.

Introducing the Spirit into my work day however, has come with its own challenges.  At least twice during each session so far, something has touched my heart and moved me to tears.  Don’t misunderstand, I am not bawling and weeping on my keyboard, but I am not ashamed to admit that I am “misting up” a bit in between my meetings.

It makes for interesting interactions, as people will come into my office mid-address while I am wiping away tears and trying to dry out. Such moments make for impromptu missionary opportunities.  Everyone who enters while my heart is full, asks if I am feeling okay. I am proud to pleasantly report that all is well and that I am listening to an inspirational address from the Lord’s anointed. Most times I explain what General Conference is and that I am trying to better myself and follow the counsel given.

So, tomorrow I plan to arrive at work again, Kleenex in tow, ready to be edified by the prayerful words of our leaders.

As a business professional, what Conference address has inspired you?

BYU Independent Study

 

Free?  You heard that right.  Did you know that BYU offers FREE independent online courses?  With classes on topics such as:

 

• Family history
• Family Life
• Gardening
• History
• Music
• Finances
• Personal Development
• Religion
• Writing

There is something for everyone! There are no limits, finish one course and start another and take on the challenge of continually improving yourself!  I am signing up for next semester, how about you?

Question:

What classes interest you the most?  Do you find fulfillment in learning for the sake of personal improvement?

Tough Economic Times

The church welfare program is there to help those in need.

“Americans are struggling with stagnant wages, rising debts and increased expenses during these tough economic times. What happens when a corporate executive loses a job or a family simply can’t make ends meet to put food on the table?”

MIB Poll: Place for Prayer at Work?

In a recent post, I suggested using prayer as an effective strategy in your business planning (read full article here).  I received a few comments questioning my premise and would be interested in getting a quick read on your thoughts.

The Business of Merger

Susan Pulliam and Peter Lattman of the Salt Lake Tribune report on the Huntsman Corporation/Apollo Management merger.

 Now, Huntsman, 71, is battling someone not known for backing down. Last week, a showdown began in Delaware Court of Chancery between his chemical company and private-equity tycoon Leon Black’s Apollo Management LP. Apollo wants to scuttle a July 2007 agreement to buy Huntsman for $6.5 billion, claiming Huntsman’s operations have badly deteriorated. Huntsman says the business is solid and the merger pact is ironclad.

Read more…

MIB Question:

What effects do these types of contested mergers have on a company?

Missionary Reunions

When Rafael A. Mendez and his wife, Patricia, attend the reunion of the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission on Friday in North Ogden, Utah, it will be just one stop in a cross-country trip to see their missionaries.

The Mendezes, of Statesville, N.C., who presided over the mission from 2000 to 2003, will go on to California to see more of the missionaries they knew in the Dominican Republic.

“It’s always good to meet the missionaries again and see their spouses,” Patricia Mendez said.

Read More on Mormon Times.

MIB Question:

Did you mission affect what career you chose?  Do you use Gospel principles to manage your business?

MIB Poll: Pick B. Todd’s Next Profile Pic!

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