When you think of your civil rights do you think of the basics? Likely in this era we think of how we are treated. Possibly even the luxuries that we enjoy as Americans.
This past week, during the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday, I was reminded of the difficult fight that he willingly engaged. Jackie and I were in Birmingham, Alabama and visited Ingram Park. Ingram Park is dedicated to those who fought for their Civil Rights. It was a beautiful display of artwork which depicted the struggle that so many faced. You can see some of our pictures here.
The Martin Luther King’s, Rosa Parks, Johns Lewis’ and so many others weren’t fighting for frivolous wants, but the basics of humanity. They were fighting for the Golden Rule, which is really what we all want.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you”
– Jesus, Luke 6:31
Do you, each day, treat others as you would wish to be treated? Business Owners, are you treating your employees the way that you would would want to be treated?
I am not suggesting that there aren’t differences or advantages to being in charge. Taking the initiative and risks associated with business is admirable and comes with its rewards and difficulties. However, I want you to ask yourself are you simply providing the basics? Or would you suggest that you are going above and beyond for those that serve you and your business each day?
Far too often I see businesses that aren’t investing or even adequately rewarding their team. In today’s society and generally in business people aren’t going to take such a stand, like eluded to above, they usually react with poor performance or just getting by enough to keep their job, until another opportunity appears.
This article isn’t meant to imply that any business environment equates to the struggle that was addressed during the Civil Rights movement. The parallel is that we should treat others the way that we desire to be treated whether it’s with friends, co-workers, clients, neighbors or those that serve our businesses. Allow me to encourage you to not stop at someone’s basic Civil Rights, go above and beyond in how you treat them.
Employers; It is a cop-out to state, “well I pay them each week.” – Click to tweet
That falls under the auspice of basic civil rights as an employee. If you want to create a culture of excellence try treating them the way that you desire to be treated. Another verse from the book of Luke comes to mind, From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much more will be asked. Luke 12:48
So I Ask You To Consider:
Your Vacation policies
Sick Day Policies
Benefits Packages
Investing in Employees Personal Growth
Your Office Environment
Adequate Pay for Those Who Excel
How You Speak to One Another
And the list continues on and on…..
It is the right thing to do and you will be glad that you did!
Do you love where you work? Does your employer go above and beyond your basic civil rights?
Let me here your thoughts around this subject. Comment to me on Facebook, twitter or LinkedIn