Adopt The Spiritual Paradigm For Re-Inspiration
Adopt the spiritual paradigm for re-inspiration. (Isaiah 11:2-5 – “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him”)
Spirituality is a therapeutic form that is often ignored, but yet plays an important part in healing. Many religions believe that the body and spirit are inseparable until death. Complementary medicine recognises this importance. Although rejected from traditional science and medicine, it is still recognised that the mind or spirit of an individual can determine life or death, sickness or health. It is observed that when a patient is denied his expression of belief and faith, healing stagnates and often deteriorates. Spirituality is often used synonymously with religion. Religion is an outward expression and response encased in traditional beliefs and practices.
The world’s seven great religions – namely, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Islam – amongst them account for a following of over 75% of the world’s population in one or other of their many manifestations. They have all endured in a form not far removed in essence from their original manifestation for an average of over 1500 years, although in their societal role they have evolved, sometimes quite dramatically. That survival rate favourably compares to an average Fortune 100 life span of 42 years. It also favourably compares to the average age of the sovereign state of around 200 years.
The reason for their long-term success is that, as institutions, they satisfy a set of universal and psychological needs. All of the great religions evolved over at least 1000-year period in response to fundamental needs, adapting to the changing environmental until they hit on a formula that worked. They have therefore had plenty of time to empirically discover what their customers need. Most corporations, by contrast, have achieved a collective history of no more than 50 years. Corporations can take a leaf out of the book of the great religions.
Religions provide a context of moral authority and a framework, which offers the chance for personal redemption. Every party to it feels infused with a virtuous ambition to propagate the religion’s way of doing things. They emphasise looking beyond self-interests and working towards a common good. They are essentially optimistic in their outlook and their view of the competitive universe is positive. It confirms at every turn that the future is worth fighting for. There is an intense level of enquiry and debate about objectives and goals that dispels the status quo and keeps the process of re-invention moving ahead of the industry. Millions of people have sacrificed their lives in providing full-time services for their beliefs in their religions and paid a pittance. Some have even died as martyrs for their beliefs in their religions through the centuries. That’s the power of the spiritual paradigm.
Like the other Biblical principles written in this book, for instance, we see the power and love of God, his favour, pouring on his children, on the faithful. If individuals would learn to devote themselves to God, the rewards will be great – not just spiritually but on every aspect of the man; an experience, a re-inspiration, a renewal of our spirits. “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord – and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”
If a human soul buys into an idea like a faith or religion with a passion, with total commitment, the bounds of what we are collectively capable are quite simply astounding. The last fifteen years of change, downsizing and restructuring have left many employees feeling weary and demoralized. The right way forward is to re-inspire them with the fervour like the great religions.
Dr Teng is widely recognized as a turnaround CEO in Asia. He is the author of a best-selling book “Corporate Turnaround” and more than 22 management books. Dr Teng is currently the Managing Director of Corporate Turnaround Centre Pte Ltd (www.corporateturnaroundcentre.com, www.youtube.com/1103teng)
