It is by what we exclude that we define ourselves—we’re what’s left after we have refused the unacceptable. Legal structures deny us certain possibilities by making them illegal—anything so denied is therefore the defining boundary of our corporate structure. The name we use immediately casts aside 99% of all possibilities—the Auckland Hells Angels do not trade in commodity futures anymore than the Frome Over ’60’s Club encourages all-night raves. Further, by refusing sloppy standards, we choose efficiency, and lastly the exact circumstances of our situation show the truth of who and what we are. This is the purpose of saying No—to identify the truth of who we are, it is fundamental, and establishes firm ground upon which to build.
Hello is about Attention Openness Exchange Communion
The way in which we interact with others is of paramount importance in any corporate activity and Hello tells us all about this—it’s to do with our connections with the social environment: the things we attend to, our willingness and skill in opening up to new, the social qualities we bring in how we do business and the degree of intimacy we are able to develop with the major movers. Communication and understanding are primary tools for corporate success, and there are so many courses now that can help us develop the skills and attitudes that enable us to improve them. Are we willing to learn how to interact meaningfully and profitably with others?
Thank You is about Appreciation Valuing Giving Heart Essence
We may need to remind ourselves that, although a company has its beingness defined independently of people, it is simply a useful structure by which human endeavour can be directed and efficiently employed. Therefore the feelings and values that are important to us personally need to find normal healthy expression in the corporate framework. This means allowing—sometimes at cost to black-and-white short-term profitability—that people and their human values are worth investing in. If not—then how do we claim any moral high ground when we compare ourselves to animals or Nazis? And indeed how can we expect to attract staff and win their loyalty?
Goodbye is about Realization Appreciation Completion Moving On
The Status Quo is not acceptable and we have to realize this in detail, and decide how best to move forward from this awareness. It is most important to tidy up the loose ends of any and all situations by being diligent in completing what we have begun, so that we are free to respond appropriately when circumstances around us force us to move into new ways of working. These first four aspects of management define the normal orbit of common practice—who we are, what we do, how courteously we do it and whether we do it properly—and for anyone to achieve this degree of mastery is excellent and promises great success. Next we consider a heightened degree of ability that distinguishes the goats from the sheep.
Please is about Vision Intention Cooperation Prayer
Here we take it all up a level. There are aspects of Please that are routine—getting people to do what you want—whether applied by a manager or by a salesman. Yet the more profound context in which this is applied is to do with raising the corporate profile in pursuance of its greatest purpose. We need to imagine how the world can be a better place and that we figure rather importantly in bringing that about. It is the assertion of a better future shared with all of our working associates. It requires faith and the technologies of applying faith in the corporate realms.
Sorry is about Responsibility Remorse Repair Release
This is the one thing noticeably absent from the skill sets of most politicians and executives. It is to do with the development of maturity, adult qualities of doing the right thing, refinement of character, dignity and nobility. We have to be somewhat cautious that our assertiveness is not unduly harmful to another and that if we do step on a few toes, we soften the pain and make amends wherever possible. Corporate activity should not be allowed to denigrate human values or shield personal responsibility—our civilization, our very humanity, depends upon accountability.
Yes is about Permission Acceptance Agreement Surrender
However much we may think we know about what has worked in the past and what works now, the future has its own ideas and, for all our powerful controls, we are subject to forces that none can master. We need to allow that there are some things we cannot do, some authorities that will not bend, some powers greater than ours. These present themselves as retirement, death, illness, insolvency and loss—they are also part of the equation of corporate life. When they come, we can only resign ourselves to go along with the flow—to surf the waves of change and try keep on the board.
