Buddhism And Business In The XXl Century: Non-Obvious Crossing Points

2023 Author: Amber Richards | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 00:24

Social research in recent years suggests that millennials have a completely different attitude to work than the older generation. They want to belong to those organizations where there is a higher purpose than just making a profit. Therefore, if you are in business and want to keep it in step with the development of society, pay attention to Buddhism.

Not by meditation alone

More than 1.4 million Russians over 16 practice yoga. About 50% of this number, in addition to physical practice, meditate. Buddhism is often associated with meditation. And meditation in business can be considered the ability to observe all processes from the outside. After all, contemplating what is happening in the company from a resting point, without making impulsive harsh decisions, without taking unnecessary actions, you will achieve the desired result without destruction, which means that it will be much more natural and faster.

The head of the company, in fact - the Guru, must see the Way and make decisions in accordance with it. At the same time, Buddhism teaches us to take great personal responsibility for our actions, to have a healthy body and a sober view of reality, where there is no place for hasty assessments and conclusions.

Highest corporate ideals

Buddhist spiritual principles such as higher knowledge, understanding (of oneself and the environment), and connectedness (belonging to a community) are undoubtedly relevant in business, especially if corporations claim higher goals.

For many years in the United States, enterprises have been engaged in corporate social responsibility programs, corporate volunteering and sustainable development goals (read also: "Olga Slutsker:" Having achieved success, you must continue to set goals and develop "). Several large companies, such as Google or retailer Target, have been employing spiritually grounded methods for years to motivate their employees to promote corporate ideals and personal growth.

Management practices such as performance measurement and other KPIs no longer satisfy the deeper desire of employees in companies to measure their value beyond soulless numbers. People try to find more meaning and enhance the content and value of their work. Familiar positions and functions are reimagined and re-formulated a new generation of quality skill sets.

There is no exceptional materiality

Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and values a spiritual-minimalist worldview, avoiding dependence on anything and attachment to the "worldly". Many newly minted supercompanies promote exceptional minimalism and the pursuit of the highest Ideal - Apple and Steve Jobs, Ebay and Pierre Omidyar, Alibab and Jack Ma - all of them followers of Buddhist teachings.

In addition to lack of attachment, Buddhism calls for respect for impermanence, which means the ability to quickly adapt to a changing world. Buddhism teaches: everything is constantly changing - ourselves, the environment and all the people around us. It is very easy to lose everything by continuing to live and work with an idea that was once profitable and seems obvious and successful, but has lost its relevance in a rapidly changing reality. Buddhism discourages limited thinking, stubbornness, and inflexibility.

For example, Netflix realized that the Internet had changed media consumption patterns. The old school only had one solution for consuming video content: renting a DVD. But Netflix realized that there is an easier way to do this - streaming video. The entire media consumption industry was unaware of the volatility of the market and user habits. But Netflix figured it out first and changed the entire industry forever.

Understand and forgive

Compassion is one of the most important Buddhist principles. What does this have to do with business? The business must provide a solution to the customer's problem. And if someone has found a solution better than other existing solutions, then he wins the competition. Thus, understanding the problem your potential customers may face and being innovative about it are critical. A prime example is Tesla's ultra-tech products: electric cars, GoPro, DJI, drones, solar panels from SunPower, the list is endless.

Compassion is the foundation of a customer-centered or user-centered approach to business. It is also important to show compassion for employees. In this case, it is not a manifestation of pity that is meant, but an attitude towards one's employees as a friend, an older comrade.

Respect for everything head

Buddhist ethics are based on the principle of non-violence. We understand that everyone wants to be happy and does not want to suffer. When we base our actions on this understanding and try not to harm others, we earn their respect and trust.

If we respect our colleagues, it brings trust and understanding to the team. We try not to say something nasty behind our backs and try to be transparent. In addition, the more we respect our customers, the more trust and loyalty we receive. Many companies, such as Amazon, Starbucks, Adidas, have based their business model on respect for customer needs, equality and transparency among employees (read also: "Role-playing office games: who you are to your colleagues (and how you really look)"), which helped them reach their current heights.

And here are the principles that should form the basis of your business model in order for it to be successful, useful for both you and your employees:

Set a goal and define the Way for your company;
Rely on the highest ideals and correlate the reasons for your activities with them;
Be alert to impermanence and be flexible and innovative;
Develop empathy and compassion for customers and employees;
Follow ethical principles and respect your colleagues and customers.