I stand for people and not institutions/organizations. It’s the people, good or bad, who make companies what they are. If you’ve read my blog for any length of time you’ll notice a trend toward you (people) and not the organization. When you’re for the organization you tend to see people as a means-to-an-end. That’s a dangerous place to transact in.
This piece from Inside Work takes a look at Dame Anita Roddick. If you’ve ever purchased products from The Body Shop, then you know her because she was the founder of that company. You may have admired her or hated her, but she stood for something. She wasn’t perfect, and by the way that’s not a requirement for standing for something.
When you evaluate yourself what comes to your mind? What about the company you work for or own? Maybe most importantly; is what you stand for being lived out consistently?
I have some thoughts that may help as you make your way through this journey of making a stand:
- Have you made up your mind yet? I’m referring to a decision to cross the Rubicon. You can’t stand for something until you do this.
- Accept that not everyone will like you for what you stand for. Resistance and conflict are crucibles for those that take a stand.
- Playing it safe will commence your funeral even though you’re still breathing.
- More often than not what you stand for is part of greater plot (your destiny).
- Everyone stands for something, whether you know it or not. It’s sort of like you choose or it will choose you.