Philosophy is the systematic examination of the deep questions surrounding human existence in the world. Corporate Philosophy seeks to connect these deep human questions and yearning to the work of business in such a way that those who undertake business can also remain faithful to their own personal philosophy of life.
There is, first of all, each person's individual sense of meaning and purpose - a personal philosophy. Any worker - whether the CEO or someone working in the warehouse - brings to the table such a personal world view or philosophy. It is part of human nature to wonder about meaning, and to try to reconcile what we believe with what we do.
At Corporate Philosophy, we assist the senior managers among our clients to articulate in concise language their own personal philosophy. We have inventories and tools we use to do this - and in the end, the process is enjoyable and fruitful because clear thinking yields great results!
Secondly, there is also often an articulated "corporate philosophy." For some examples, click here. This corporate philosophy, of course, only becomes strong and valid as the senior managers identify with it and "buy into it." This process of "buying in" requires them to reconcile what the company believes with their own beliefs.
And of course, there is a constant flow of ethical questions surrounding every business in today's marketplace: everything from global warming to the care of the poor, from medical ethics to cultural diversity to engagement in the local community.
Why is our Corporate Philosophy so important?
Any company depends on the wit and wisdom of it’s top managers and leaders. These people make the decisions each day that result in growth and success for you. They are the key. Companies aren’t made up of inventories and financial reports, but of people, individual centers of initiative: making decisions, coping with life, wanting to succeed, and searching for answers.
Corporate life, as we know, can be brutal and demanding on these people. It can tax even the strongest, and challenge family and social life.
And of course change -- true, lasting deep-seated change – remains your most significant challenge. It’s going on all around you all the time. But how will that affect your company and it’s business? Only those people who work for you can determine this.
There is a powerful, ancient tool at your disposal to help reconcile all of this with basic human values. It’s called Philosophy.
Each of your top people brings to the table a personal philosophy. This philosophy is their unique “view of the world.” That personal philosophy emerges from their own particular “situation in life.” It has been conditioned by their rearing, education, religious belief, and social contacts.
For many people, this personal philosophy is not something they often consider or define. If asked, they would tell you that yes, a system of belief and understanding does lie within them, but how to speak of it often eludes them. And yet, this philosophy lies at the heart of all they do and drives them to decisions, actions, and results.
We all seek meaning in life. We all want to make a contribution to the destiny of the human race. We all operate with shared values. We want to operate with ethics and strong moral fiber. And most importantly, we all want to enjoy our work. We want to have fun doing what we do every day.
As a corporate leader, it’s in your interest to help your managers become more conscious of that which is present within their belief systems. This will allow them to turn those beliefs into powerful contributions to your company.
