In the 21st
century, it is so easy to get caught up in the chase for deadlines, profit
margins and dreams that we lose focus of the things that really matter in life.
This week I had the privilege of reading about the profile of Lincoln Electric
Company and I have been challenged in every way to rethink about my own
approach to leadership and management.
The
Lincoln Electric Company is the
world's largest manufacturer of
welding machines and electrodes. The
Lincoln incentive management plan has been well known for many years. Many
college management texts refer to the Lincoln plan as a model for achieving
high worker productivity. Certainly,
Lincoln has been a successful company according to the usual measures of
success.
Often times when we
think of success, our minds are drawn to million dollar enterprises, with posh
offices, exclusive employees, high competitive rates and a complicated
organizational culture that is almost impossible to replicate. Fortunately the
Lincoln company is not one of those companies. I was challenged, inspired and
motivated as I read about their organizational culture and approach to
management.
James F. Lincoln was
the son of a Congregational minister and Christian principles were at the
center of his business philosophy. The
confidence that he had in the
efficacy of Christ's
teachings is illustrated by
the following remark
taken from one of his books:
“The
Christian ethic should control our acts.
If it did control our acts, the savings in cost of distribution would be
tremendous. Advertising would be a
contact of the expert consultant with the customer, in order to give the
customer the best product available when all of the customer's needs are
considered. Competition then would be
in improving the quality of products and increasing efficiency in producing and
distributing them; not in deception, as is now too customary. Pricing would reflect efficiency of
production; it would not be selling a dodge that the customer may well be sorry
he accepted. It would be proper for all
concerned and rewarding for the ability used in producing the product.”
Our beliefs should be
reflected in the way we approach work and business. There is a tendency to
separate our beliefs from our work ethics assuming that some religious beliefs
have no room in the business arena. This quote made by James F Lincoln is a
clear indicator that in order to do business the right way, we should be ready
to do it the kingdom way. How much of God do people see in the way you go about
your business? This is a big challenge for many of us as we strive to keep up
with the 21st century business demands.
Businesses go to
great length to advertise their products and services when the actual expert
consultant on what product is suitable for the market is right before their
eyes the whole time. We are so keen on seeking the input of ‘consultants’ while
ignoring the very people – customers that have the highest opinion about our
products and services because we view them as ordinary people.
The 21st
century business competition is based on who can earn more from the market
regardless of how they earn it. Companies go to great length to duplicate
products, lower the quality of services so as to increase their profit margins.
The markets are flooded with products that are fake, duplicated and do not meet
the required standards because the people concerned to stop this are more
interested in themselves than in the general well fare of the consumers.
On the other hand, we
need to ask ourselves if we would be willing to pay a little more for genuine
products as a means to eradicating fake products on the market. This is the
point at which we ought to match our beliefs and business decisions. Ever
wondered how different your approach to business and management would be if you
decided to do it the kingdom way? Or probably you are not certain about the
kingdom way.
A famous quote has
been used across centuries to help us grasp the kingdom perspective. By
answering the question; “What Would Jesus Do?”, we find the answer to what
means and approaches we ought to employ in the different aspects of our lives.
Life is about purposeful
living and yet for many of us our life purposes are still a mystery. Many
people simply follow the crowds and do that which most people approve and
recommend. We often times seek to impress people more than being true to
ourselves. Doing business the kingdom way begins with discovering one’s life
purpose and committing to fulfill that purpose in every choice, decision and
action taken on a daily basis.
Your life purpose is
the key that unlocks your full potential and enables you to live above average.
You were created for a mission and that mission is the reason you are still
alive. There is an assignment that only you can fulfill, destinies that only
you can unlock, discoveries that only you can make. Instead of being someone
else’s photocopy, discover your blue print and become a pace setter. Choose to
stand out by embracing who you are.
If we all find our
life purposes and fulfill them, the world will be a much better place for all
humanity. So as we embrace our life pursuits, let’s not lose focus of our core
values. Let the light in you shine so bright that all will see your good works.
Lincoln set an example and a pace for his company in that many of the
strategies he set in place are still being maintained as the culture of the
company he founded.
How would you like to
be remembered? Make that you way of living starting now!
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