E-couragement: Challenging Our Beliefs

“Work should be personal.” Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks Have you ever questioned a belief? Ever stepped back and asked, “Where did that thought originate? Does it really make sense for me now? What type of actions and results is this specific belief creating for me?” I’ve found it particularly healthy to occasionally question, even challenge, my beliefs. It’s time to question a belief that’s been around our work place for decades. Let’s each of us determine if it still makes sense, or decide to change it.

I’ve heard this particular belief recited in the business world over and over. Not only have I heard it, I’ve spoken it. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate it and create a new belief. The belief I’m referring to often sounds like this: “Now remember, this is just business. It’s not personal.”  

A few years ago I began pondering the thought of business not being personal. Then it struck me, if business isn’t personal, what is it? The only other option I could think of was impersonal. The challenge this creates is that impersonal doesn’t engage. Impersonal won’t build trust. Impersonal can’t breed loyalty. Impersonal doesn’t foster innovation or collaboration. Can business really succeed when led in an impersonal manner?

Let’s get the conversation started, what do you think? Leave your comments—looking forward to reading your thoughts: Should business be conducted personally or not? What might be some problems with that old belief? How should we remedy it—what does culture look like when it’s personal? If you could articulate it, what should the new belief sound like?