Resilience in LeadershipSýnishorn

Mission: To be a blessing

The idea of ​​redeeming societies through innovation and entrepreneurship is at the heart of this reflection. 

Avi Jorisch, in his book Thou Shalt Innovate, refers to the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam, or “healing the world” as a fundamental and distinctive factor in the Israeli society and as an engine for them to be considered as the “Start-Up Nation.” 

Israel is known to have more start-ups per capita than any other country in the world; furthermore, a disproportionate share of its innovations also end up making the world a better place. 

The commitment to improve the lives of others, to follow the scriptural mandate to be a “light” to the nations and to add value, seems to be a habitual and integral part of these advances for Israel and other countries that have adopted a biblical worldview. 

The Lord told Abraham in Genesis 12:2 that his people would grow in number, in blessing, and in fame, all with the goal that they would be “a blessing“—of benefit, of value, and of well-being to many others. 

Charles Handy notes that the only justifiable goal of an organization is to create added value. That could be creating something that was not there before, or if it was, making it better, cheaper, or more accessible. A successful company is one that continually adds value. When a company stops creating added value, it will cease to exist. 

According to Briscoe, a company or career that glorifies God adds financial, material, ethical, and spiritual value to all stakeholders or shareholders. This should be the intentional efforts of every believer: to add value, to generate transformation, to be a blessing, and to redeem the global marketplace, and to have a positive impact on any relationship, community, organization, industry, and/or nation in which they serve.

To reflect: Remember to work or do business to bless, and not just to make money.