Applying spirit at work implies invoking it. But now we confront an obstacle!
Matters of the spirit have traditionally been almost the exclusive domain of the "Religions" in the Western World. Yet, one of the main objections to religion in the workplace is that it is a source of division rather than inspiration. In a non Islamic country, (in Islamic countries, being called to prayer during working hours is routine) it could be most disturbing and resented for a Chief Executive of a particular religious persuasion when trying to bring spiritual principles to bear in their companies to force a particular brand of religion on their staff. Additionally, in the US, it would constitute an infringement of the Second Amendment to the American Constitution, which stipulates that people should be free to pursue the religion of their choice.
However, there are many lessons to be learned from Religions and many terms have been adopted by "management."
A common ground that underpins much coaching work is the "Spirit at Work" (SaW) movement, where spirituality helps us in our struggle to determine who we are (our being) and how to live our lives in this world, even at work, (our doing).
Now, a useful starting point is to learn from the wisdom of the past and integrate that with the new knowledge we accumulate and new experiences we encounter.
So, how could a person with a particular religious faith or leaning proceed in order to usefully relate and connect in a relationship of Divine knowledge co-creation?
One route, offered by authors on the spirit at work phenomena, is to suggest that adherents to any one faith adopt a different style - a new paradigm that will better support appropriate conversation.
We can then, in accepting our modern world, more readily become creatively critical of it as we negotiate our own self-interest and beliefs in our value networking!
The table below provides some suggestions. Certainly, in my own experience as a traditional Anglican, it has been most helpful to read more of the dynamics of the world's largest religion, and the inherent challenges it posed both historically, and now, in making sense of life (a).
Yet, another view and approach to achieve transformations from a non religious, almost anti-religious yet loving viewpoint, with great power can be found here (b).
I wonder what may be stirring now.
Features of a religion supporting relatedness.jpg
(a) "Christianity - an introduction," 2007, Alister E. McGrath (Former Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University), Blackwell publishing.
(b) "The breakthrough experience," 2002, Dr John Demartini, Hay House.
Any more good references to other religions would be welcome.
