DEBRA AND WILLIAM MILLER ON SPIRITUALITY

Interview with Debra and William Miller

<<Previous

ServiceMaster in the US states one of its company objectives as: "To honor God in all we do", while Kyocera from Japan has its corporate motto as: "Respect the Divine and Love People." Even leaders from Indian companies are speaking about applying spirituality in business. What is the reason behind this increasing interest in spirituality? Is it a fad?

At the macro level, we believe this increasing interest in spirituality at the workplace is due to an overall evolution in consciousness, which we are experiencing as human beings. Willis Harman, a noted futurist (who also was the inspiration for the ISAW award noted above), has chronicled this shift in consciousness quite a bit, especially in relation to the rise of consciousness and responsibility for business leadership. One quote of his:
"Leaders in world business are the first true planetary citizens. They have worldwide capability and responsibility. Their decisions affect not just economies, but societies… and the world problems of poverty, environment, and security. World business will be a key actor in the ultimate resolution of the macro-problem. The business corporation is far more flexible and adaptive than the bureaucratic structures of government." -Harman W. (1990) Global Mind Change: The New Age Revolution in the Way We Think New York, Werner Publ.

You might also make the link between this evolution of consciousness and the prophecies of the Mayan Indians of Central/South America, of Jesus Christ's second coming, and of the Hindu yugas.

At a more micro level, in our dayto- day life, we have found two major NOs and one major YES that people are making to current lifestyle conditions in societies around the world.

People are beginning to experience the emptiness of a materialistic, consumer- focused, high-stressed lifestyle and are beginning to say "no" to that way of life. They are finding that a rich and fulfilling life is seldom directly related to material wealth, power or a workaholic lifestyle.

Secondly, due to the ability to access global news, people are aware of the negative consequences of our current business paradigm that strives to maximize shareholder wealth by promoting rampant consumerism. As a result they are speaking out and saying "no" to the current trends toward environmental degradation, unethical business practices, lack of respect for fundamental human rights, and an increasing gap between the rich and the poor.

Thirdly, we have seen an immense personal hunger rise in people for deeper meaning in their lives and work, for greater peace of mind, and for more caring relationships with their family, friends and colleagues. They are realizing that spirituality holds the key to their search.

More >>

2010, ICMR (IBS Center for Management Research).All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic or mechanical, without permission.