“Let each of you look not only to his interests but also to the interests of others.”

“Let each of you look not only to his interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4 ESV).

No one would doubt that Jesus made personal sacrifices to fulfill his vision and make his business successful. (Vineyard, March 2015).

Our business is a reflection of ourselves. And as I have explained to generations following me (I am a “Baby Boomer”), you will never have a more demanding boss than yourself if you are to be successful.

Many members of the Millennials, Generation X, Z, and Alpha find this concept challenging. In consultations, more than a few have told me that “I will only work x-hours a day. I don’t intend to sacrifice as my parents did.”

I wish them much success, and some of them may find ways to accomplish more with less. Ultimately, however, your business starts and ends with you and how you can relate to your colleagues and teammates.

Being successful (however you choose to measure it financially, societally, culturally, even spiritually) requires time, hard work, and personal sacrifice.

The initial strategic planning phase requires you and your employees to delve deep into your issues, concerns, and questions. We need to gather as much data as possible and openly and transparently review and consider what we find.

We must sacrifice and suspend personal judgments and be open to having often difficult conversations regarding our different viewpoints. Like the Apostle, Paul wrote in Philippians 2:4 ESV, “Let each of you look not only to his interests but also to the interests of others.”

The “sacrificing” doesn’t stop in the preparation.

Jesus went from town to town, city to city, growing his business and spreading His messages to fulfill His vision. He sacrificed having a nice home in Nazareth for the good of His business.

As part of our strategic planning, we should plan to reinvest some of our earnings, learnings, and experience back into our business. Let us be joyful in doing so and thankful for our bounties.

One strategy that ARMSTRONG and Associates have been to return either in-kind or direct contribution of 10% of our profits to the causes and organizations with which we share mutual philosophy.

Sources:

Jared Vineyard, Seven Tips for Your Business From Jesus Christ Part 1 and 2, March 15, 2012.

Bible English Standard Version - Philippians 2:4