A phrase from one of Encore’s (the company I work for) many accreditations is “Investor in People”. This has often got me thinking about what my priorities are as an individual.
As probably only a few of you are aware, I am currently doing a distance learning course in theology with a small portion of my free time. (I’m not the only one in the company doing some distance learning… ask around!) The module I’ve recently started is about the different worldviews that people have, and in the Skype seminar I was in on last night (oh the technological world we live in) I realised that what a person chooses to invest in is a good indicator of what worldview they have.
Google’s definitions of worldview.
People who believe that this world is all there is will usually invest as much time and energy in making the most out of their life. Sometimes that’s trying to get the most enjoyment out of every year of your life. Sometimes it’s about investing in your family, hoping that they will continue some of your legacy when you’re gone. Others still will invest much of their time and energy in their research and ideas, with the aim that they will be admired fondly in the records of history.
Evolutionary biologists will often suggest that animals (of which humans are included) will only choose to invest in their own survival and the survival of their blood relatives. (I questioned this in my disertation during my Zoology degree by asking then why it was that we often see step-fathers and adopted fathers caring deeply for children that aren’t their own.)
So why invest in people that aren’t your family then? Some people would argue you reap what you sow (investing in good karma). Some would say that you will personally benefit from being a defining member of a community of people that care for each other. I’m not sure I would entirely agree with any of these options myself, but still I am certain that investment in people is one of the most worthwhile allocation of resources (especially in an evidently changeable economy).
But I don’t think I’ll win anyone to my way of thinking with logic and compelling philosophy. So what’s my tip for this month then? (And yet again I’m speaking to myself as much as any of you.) Why not try a random act of kindness and see what happens? Buy a chocolate bar for a stranger. Stick an envelope with some spare cash through the letterbox of someone you know is in need (leaving no evidence as to who it’s from). Wash another car down the street while you’re doing your own. (The more random and anonymous the better!)
What will happen? Maybe you’ll realise that you were quite happy with your original worldview! Maybe you’ll re-evaluate some of the ways you see the world around you and the people in it. Either way drop me an email to let me know!
