Last week I published an article “Operating as Designed” that spoke strongly about what I currently see happening in the U.S. In response, I received many emails that were grateful, and three that were critical.
At least one of them expressed surprise that, because my work is based in love, that I would speak so strongly and “judgmentally” of others.
Today I want to speak to two things: one is a short explanation of where I stand spiritually with what one person called “judgement.”
The other thing is the business value of standing for something.
The business value of standing for something.
The gross approach to this is to take a controversial stance in order to generate strong reactions and feelings. Meaning that the primary intention is to create division and reactions. That’s manipulation and just yuck.
However, if you authentically feel strongly about something, expressing it may upset some people. What it will also do, in addition to those upset, is create stronger trust with folks who need witnessing and care around whatever you’re seeing.
That trust translates into safety. Safety is such an important quality. People can’t approach your business without a sense of safety. You being clear about what you stand for, is another way of creating safety for the folks you want to connect with.
Speaking up on your values is incredibly important in business.
The spiritual stance of social justice.
Two things are true: my sheikh enjoined me and all of his students to stand strong for Peace, Mercy, Justice and Freedom.
In Sufism, Justice is a Divine quality, and we’re asked as humans to express Justice, in helping to protect the vulnerable and caring for those who are in need.
For those that say that strong stances aren’t an expression of love, I wonder if they’ve ever experienced the power of love. Love is an annihilating force. It can turn everything upside down, and change reality in a moment.
In terms of speaking up, I can be in an open-hearted dialogue with an individual who is willing to listen, connect and really engage. I’ve done that quite often with folks who have radically different beliefs and politics than mine.
At the same time, I can stand strongly against institutions, policies and movements that are dangerous to those I love and care about.
As a Sufi teacher and a business owner, it’s part of my responsibility to stand for the vulnerable. I’ve been very outspoken about ethical bankruptcy in the business development industry, speaking out against manipulative sales tactics, among other things.
How could I not stand similarly strongly when seeing people I love at risk? And yes, that includes me, too, being at risk. And I know my risk is lower as a white cisgendered man in a long-term marriage with a woman, even as some of my identities are more at risk: raised Jewish, currently Sufi Muslim, out bisexual queer.
My approach to spirituality is not about escaping this world, but about witnessing the Divine love in everything. When that love is veiled, distorted or denied, it requires us showing up, especially if folks are in harm’s way.
Thousands of women will die in the U.S. as a result of these anti-abortion policies. It’s just a fact. Many, many queer youth are at risk as anti-trans and anti-queer legislation takes root. White supremacy, as I’ve spoken to many times, cost black and brown folks their lives every day.
Take your time, discern your own place of standing.
I was speaking to clients about this, and reminding them that they could be in a process around this.
Some people are inherently less safe in their lives, and speaking out costs more in terms of safety and mental health. Some folks have trauma or other dysfunctional mess in their past, and need to tread carefully to care for themselves.
The real call here isn’t to do what I do, but for you to lend your heart and voice to that which you care for. This supports the birth of love in the world, and creates more safety for people to approach you.
Let’s keep working for a world that we want to live in.
with a fierce love,
Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.
2 Responses
Thank you, Mark. For me, the responses to my assessment of a person or situation that start with, “How can you call yourself loving when…” are designed to shut me down and stop my ability to discern. What saddens me is when otherwise kind and compassionate people who may align with my values repeat that line without understanding how it is used to allow injustice and give free rein to those who would exploit and abuse. I appreciate your speaking out, your honesty and your fierce love– and your encouragement that we all step on to that path.
Here’s my controversial comment– as a Christian, I wish those who are doing these horrific things would stop calling themselves Christians and/or the media would stop allowing them to hide their truly un-Christian acts, ideas, and values behind that name. If wishes were fishes…
Blessings to you and your work.
There are different situations to speak up in business and it is relevant if you speak up for motivation, work & performance and much more.