Week 3: Honesty and Business Ethics

At first glance, this week's topic seemed too simple, Yes,of course be honest and ethical in your dealings with others, what more is there to say?

BUT...

I found studying different simple yet profound ideas this week have been enlightening and have made me feel reflective, humble, and hopeful.

Though I tend to think I'm a pretty ethical person, I appreciated the invitation by Sheri Dew in her talk "True, Blue, Through and Through" to do some spring cleaning.  To be honest with myself as I ask sincere questions about present or past "gray areas" in my behaviors and choices.  Where I may not have been/be perfectly obedient, following "every word of command" with exactness like the stripling warriors.

Reading Launching Leaders chapters 4-6 talked about the importance of living congruently through all areas of life, and charting a course, with the end in mind, and searching for "way points" on the way; landmarks and course corrections that will lead me to my ultimate destination.  This sounds a lot like a saying that I love, to live intentionally for excellence.

 "If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will".  

I have found this to often be true for me.  There have been many times that I've struggled with feeling that I was merely going around putting out fire after fire, dealing with one urgent task after another, feeling like a victim of circumstance, that I had no agency, and that life was living me instead of the other way around!  I am grateful for different understanding and skills I have gained because of these times through prayer, journaling, and counseling with others (whether professional, family, friends, and/or mentors).  Prioritization of time and energy is so important if I want to live the congruent and purposeful life I desire.

The thought of living congruent and authentically "by pursuing a more unified, consistent, holistic life" spoke to my soul.  It is not natural for me to intertwine and find connections through all areas of my life.  I'm still pleasantly shocked and surprised to be studying doctrine of the gospel meshed with my readings on business.

I have never thought of myself as a business woman or company owner and this week as I read about A-level companies, I was finally able to put my thumb on the reason; because it seemed so eternally meaningless, worldly and cold.  Making connections between the person I want to be anyway, and an A-level company felt good and right to me.

I can:

• put God and his kingdom first, 
• intend to do good, 
• build his kingdom, 
• have a zeal toward my fellowmen, 
• be perfectly honest and upright, 
• worthy of hire,  
• have superior customer service and quality of product, and 
• understand the individual worth of the customer. 
• treat others with respect, love and kindness 

At the same time as doing business?!  Awesome!