Earlier this week I decided I wanted to share how I feel GRACE and the attitude of a gracious spirit is vital for a successful business. As I was thinking about it and what I wanted to say when I sat down with a sweet lady in Sunday School. (Yes believe it or not there is still Sunday school in places) She had the sweetest energy around her and the most pleasant smile and wonder of wonders her name was Grace. Well that settles it that is my sign.
So when business gets tough or life gets tough. I go back to my basics and focus on those things of value that make for not only a GREAT life but a GREAT business, because the two are intricately connected.
Let’s take a minute to look at what grace is: Grace is being kind, courteous and compassionate. I know you may be thinking that this is a hoaky way to run a business but for me it is the ONLY way. I want my business to reflect my life and my life to reflect my business.
When I started BB all those years ago the only thing on my mind was to make sure that my business was not normal or ordinary. I wanted to do business in a kinder and softer and more gentle way. I NEVER ever or will ever believe that business is just business. I reject that to have a successful business I have to develop an attitude of one upmanship or get even and step on others to get to the top.
I remember one time hearing a preacher that I deeply respected say that when we have done something wrong we want mercy and when others do wrong we want justice. That just does not fly with me. I know how very good it feels when someone extends an olive branch or treats you with a gracious spirit. It is life giving. It gives you permission to do better, to strive and to want to pass that same compassion on to others.
I know that we are working and living in a tumultuous world right now and the tendency would be to fight for what”s yours. To try to find how to be better than the next guy. There is a tendency to look for that new technique , a new twist on running a business. I suggest that the secret is in the old tried and true ways of extending a gracious spirit towards ourselves and others.
There is an energy inherent in those that are gracious and kind and think of ways to enhance and bring value. There is also an energy in forgiveness and the extension of grace when you think others are out to get you. I am convinced that the more I strive to extend a warm spirit of generosity and grace to others it can not help but come back to me. I am afraid to say that the opposite is also true.
So my suggestion right now is think of who you can bless. Think of someone who you may not agree with and don’t like the way they do things, send them warm wishes and extend the mercy that you would wish for yourselves. I think extending grace is one of the biggest boomerangs in life, there is no way to give it without it coming right back to you.
GRATEFUL that I have been given grace over and over,
Karen key Smith
