Week 12

When you do not trust the individuals who are in charge of running most of the big businesses why would you want to invest your money in those companies? With virtue and integrity in place you know those in charge will act with honor at all times; But when you lose faith in an entire way of “business practices” does this not undermined the very core of our economy? Why would you want to work for, support, shop or be a part of a business you regard as untrustworthy or unethical?

In the article it states, “The purpose of a business, in other words, is not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better. That “something” becomes the real justification for the business.” We are commanded to build up the kingdom of God.  When we are given the resources to do this, the “something more” starts happening.  The purpose of business should not just be the bottom line, it should also have a vision or a purpose for good.

Charles Hardy says, “Better and tougher regulation would help, as would a clearer separation of auditing from consulting. Corporate governance will now surely be taken more seriously by all concerned, with responsibilities more clearly defined, penalties spelled out, and watchdogs appointed. But these will be plasters on an open sore. They will not cure the disease that lies at the core of the business culture.”  These are just some steps to take but would not change the nature of the beast.

 The ideas he has for changes are some they are doing in Europe. (1) Those who work for a company have a voice or a say in how things might be run, instead of a dictatorship a democracy, and with this a change in the pay incentives.  I agree with both of these concepts.  When employees feel ownership, they are better and happier employees. You are the ones who are making this work or fail.  You are making a difference in something you are a part of.  (2) Turning the business from being just a business into a community instead.  When you feel you are vital, wanted and needed you feel that you belong.  We want those who are the most important part of a business to know they are valued and have a place. 

Week 11

§  I have never thought of money as being bad or evil.  It is necessary for us to have it to live healthy and happy lives.  We need it to buy food, clothes and shelter.  But we can also use it for many, many other things we might deem necessary or just because and that’s ok.

§  If you allow money to be the driving force behind every decision you make you are never going to be happy.  We also need to understand that money does not change how you think it just magnifies whatever your moral conscience already is.  Money can also control you if you do not take control of it.

Suggested rules for prosperity.

"Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him

Rule 2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.

 Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.

 Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity.

 Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.

 Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive."

I find it interesting that when we help others, think of others, show gratitude, and listen and learn, we are blessed with prosperity.  By giving away we gain not only in temporal but especially spiritually. What a great concept!

I know we need to be prosperous, but one person’s description of prosperity might be completely different from another’s. In the readings and video clips we are told by those who have had the experiences of what it takes to prosper, tell us to try harder to balance your life, that loosing family to succeed at all costs is not worth it. We must choose before we start what our guidelines and stopping points will be and then stick to it. We cannot allow the next deal or client to become more important than everything else in our lives. 

We also need to make sure we are managing our financial resources in a way that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father. We have a responsibility to be self-reliant so we make take care of ourselves but also to be in a position where we can help others if called upon to do so.  How can we help others if all we do is work because we are so caught up or so in debt we cannot stop to listen and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? 

Week 10

You can do anything if you stick with it.  Don’t quit and don’t stop.  This has been my mantra since I started back to school.  I think this works in anything you do in your life.

One step at a time.  How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.  The same thing applies here.  If you have a goal or a visions no matter how big, you need to break it down to smaller doable steps. Make a list each day and check off what you accomplish then start a new list the next day but add the items you did not complete from the day before.

We need Heavenly Father and faith in our lives every day.  Just because we are busy does not mean we forget why we are here and what we need to do to return.  Never forget.

We should express our gratitude every day to all those who help us and especially an extremely generous and loving Heavenly Father.

Sometimes the school of hard knocks is pretty rough. It makes it hard to trust others but we need to surround ourselves with good people who we can trust.  They can help carry the load and the benefits are unlimited.  It is hard to try to trust again when we have been betrayed but to be a true disciple of Christ we must learn to do it again and again.

I think these hi-lights work well in business but also your everyday normal life. We all face challenges, set goals, and get knocked down a time or two.  The key is to get up and keep going. Don’t stop, don’t give up, and just keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead.  You keep your chin up, it will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come. (Elder Holland)

Week 9

What does it take to be a good leader? I ask this question of myself when I look at my family because this has been my life focus.  Did I help them learn what they needed to become good leaders? Do they place ethics and integrity high on the list of what is important in life?  Are they problem solvers?  The questions just keep going. 

I would like to think I have helped them with some of the skills needed to be good leaders.  Each one of my children worked hard and received a degree in their chosen field. We helped some but they did the majority, holding down jobs and keeps grades up to receive their goals.  

They each have had some success in their fields but have also had challenges and trials which has brought the sting of failure. With these lessons they have pulled themselves up again and tried something else or moved on to the next challenge. When I look at them I see successful, beautiful daughters full of life and a desire to be the best they can be.

Does this mean I am a good leader also? I would like to think I have some of the skills needed to lead other on a good and righteous path when called to do so.  I have needed to step up and lead in the past, has it been comfortable?  Not always. With leadership comes great responsibility but also great rewards.  Is it worth it? Yes