People vs. Power

A new generation of leaders is emerging who value relationships over results.  They are more interested in people than power.  They are more value driven than purpose driven.  They care more about their friends than profit.  They are interested in experiencing work environments that are professional, productive and personal.  If they find a place like this, they will give themselves fully to that organization’s mission.  They will be willing to make financial sacrifices in order to do so.  After all, you can’t buy happiness.  This isn’t just naïve idealism.    

Have you been looking for an organization like this?  Or, have you given up?  Surely there are risks that come with a work environment like this, but it would be worth taking risks if a culture like this could be created.  I believe that this is possible.

What do you do if you cannot find a place like this?  What if you’re entrenched in a dysfunctional hierarchy that seems unchangeable?  As leaders we have a responsibility to create our organizational cultures.  Friendship is a value that we don’t have to give up on.  Instead of lamenting what is not, it is time to make things what we believe they ought to be – wherever we are given the gift of influence.  We must model something different.  Perhaps you, like me, have grieved over the things you have seen done in the name of “business”; things which have violated your values of love and basic sensitivity to human dignity.  But now your time to lead is here.  What are you going to do?  Are you ready to step up?