The Corporate Case

We are rapidly approaching a time, and some would say we are there now, a point in history where business ethics are being scrutinised more than ever before. The world is beginning to stop and think about what all this really means to me. One thing is for certain, values and ethics of those organisations that are aligned with SQ will give us all the power to do one thing more than any other, to connect. And it is this connection that will have profound implications across all business dealings. Whether it's the back handers in politics, the undermining of the whistleblower, the greed of financial institutions, the bribing of government officials, all are being exposed, examined globally in the most critical manner.

Emotional Intelligence is based on the perception that the ability of managers to understand their own emotions, and those of the people they work with, is the key to better business performance. Spirituality assumes that more effective leaders are able to manage their own emotions and manage relationships positively even in negative situations. We all have our moral compass, we all strive to live within those boundaries, and now, as a larger more vocal, effective group we are insisting that the organisations we work for, and companies globally conform. In this regard, not only are we the organisations “standard-bearer” if you like, but also the monitor of the organisations moral and ethical pulse.

In a work environment, SQ is being aware of the deeper significance and intention of what you do, it is being able to recognise the goals in the day-to-day workings of business, it is being inspired by much more than just wages. It has always been recognised that the quality of the work you do is a greater motivating factor than the “pay-check”. Developing your sense of SQ will not only benefit you as an individual, it will also benefit your families, communities, society and the companies you work for.

It is very interesting, and I believe helps in understanding SQ, to view Corporate Values and Visions in light of IQ, EQ and SQ. All generally have elements of all three. Let’s look at a few.

“ continues to focus on providing a satisfactory return to shareholders; looking after its employees and ensuring they have a safe environment in which to work; providing excellent products and services to its customers; looking after and caring for the environment”

“ providing a satisfactory return to shareholders” – is all about IQ, maintaining financial records etc.
“looking after its employees and ensuring they have a safe environment” – is EQ, empathy and understanding the needs of others.
“looking after and caring for the environment” – is SQ, community values,

Lets look at another.
As a global energy company we set high standards of performance and ethical behaviours. We are judged by how we act - our reputation is upheld by how we live up to our core values honesty, integrity and respect for people. Our….. Code of Ethics help everyone act in line with these values and comply with all relevant legislation and regulations.

“comply with all relevant legislation and regulations, high standards of performance” – is all about IQ .
“and respect for people” – is EQ, empathy and understanding of others.
“values honesty, integrity and ethical behaviours” – is SQ.

A wise prophet once said (to paraphrase):
What shall it benefit a man if he gains all the wealth in the world and loses his soul to the obsession of worldly goods, pettiness and ignorance?
In other words, you can be outrageously wealthy and still be ignorant enough to destroy yourself.

Next fortnight we will look at SQ in the workplace.

Lets look at SQ and Spirituality

It appears to me that spirituality will mean different things to different people. Each person will have a different definition, a different perception. The word spiritual is used in many different ways and it would seem that there is no fixed definition of its true meaning. Many will argue that religion and spirituality have got to go together. But consider this; maybe, just maybe it can conceivably be both, spiritual without a religion and spiritual within a religion. If we agree that as human beings with energy (spirit) and we are all experiencing a journey, then surely we can conclude we are embracing a spiritual journey.

We agree that we can all look at things differently, but how about changing the manner in which we look at things? Maybe the things we look at and identify with will also change. It is possible to transform the way we see things. Just as our emotions have levels of intensity, highs and lows, spirituality has varying levels of consciousness or unconsciousness, emerging or developed, truthful or dishonest

For many, spiritually implies wholesomeness, an open mind, an enlighten intellect, a compassionate core; all interconnected to form part of our human awareness. It is this self-awareness, this reflection as part of our journey of self-discovery that leads to insight, compassion and wisdom as part of our Spiritual Intelligence journey. Just as learning is a lifelong journey, so to with SQ, in that we all have, in varying degrees, a level of self-awareness.

So what do we call that moment of self-awareness? That consciousness moment of recognition, that realisation that we are aware? Can we call that a spiritual moment, a spiritual experience? Is that the beginning of SQ, is that enlightened moment the beginning of a fundamental shift on how we interact with others? Relating from the foundation of our core values and not our ego position and being aware of this fundamental shift will enhance those relationships.

The ability to analyse oneself and put one's ego in perspective and allow a more empowering force to operate in a calm, creative and harmonious way will be for many an enlightened new way of relating internally thus increasing one’s estimation of one’s sense of worth. With use, confidence is also increased substantially, as the framework under which we now operate with increasing self-belief, is projected outwardly and will be recognised by others.

It was Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) the French Theological Philosopher who wrote,
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
He may well be right.

Next fortnight we will look at The Corporate Case.