Will My Religion Hurt My Career?

An e-mail posting from BNET recently asked this question: "Will my religion hurt my career?" If one were to follow stereotypes, could this be a HR outcome to evangelistic quasi-preaching in one's workplace?

While clicking through to the BNET story reveals something quite different (a little "bait and switch" about derogatory career perceptions of online atheism), the question remains a fair one. I for one have been asked in a respective work environment whether or not I had "been saved," which--despite the good intentions of person leading with the question--didn't really advance the theological cause they were espousing.

After all, in my world, brand equals performance. How one acts, how one performs, has much to do with the perceived promise and credibility of their personal brand. I would daresay that this is especially true concerning the validity -- and/or career-enhancing elements -- of any proffered spiritual belief system. That being said, do you want to be known as a religious person? Or, perhaps better said, do you want to have the reputation that your spiritual values are openly reflected in how you conduct yourself at work or in life? From a career perspective, what elements of personal brand equity should be considered here?

One could surmise that from personal career or brand considerations, the real question distills down to this: could one responsibly and appropriately advance their career through a real application of their religion? The ancient New Testament writer James (who possessed a very strong positive reputation in both ancient Christian and Jewish communities) declares: "Faith without deeds [applied behavioral application] is dead" or, as he says earlier a bit more forcefully, "faith without deeds is useless." (James 2:26, 20, New International Version). An element of real performance is more than suggested here.

From traditional Christian and Jewish perspectives, I would then humbly suggest that at least one aspect of applied religion would be most beneficial to one's career. Both practicing Jews and Christians share a critical teaching from the Hebrew Tanakh that would certainly advance one's career from performance and productivity perspectives: "Whatsoever thy hand attaineth to do by thy strength, that do" (Ecclesiastes 9:10, Jewish Publication Society). This piece of wise advice is translated in a more contemporary fashion as "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (New International Version of the Bible). Without indulging further in stereotyping, would this be a productive consideration for those of the Gen X entitlement mindset? (Not, mind you, that all members of the Gen X era eschew productivity)

The direction and expectation for high and ethical performance at work is ramped up even higher for practicing Christians, as Jesus Christ Himself is quoted as commanding His followers to "let your light [behavior] shine before men, that they may see your good deeds" (Matthew 5:16, NIV). The Apostle Paul, an individual credited with spreading Christianity across an entire Empire, echos the ancient Hebrew writings when he commanded a Greek congregation: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

Of the five "P's" commonly cited for success (passion, patience, persistence, perception and purpose), passion remains the top or close to the top as a key driver for achievement. In this age, "working with all your might" would certainly be a key brand differentiator. So, whether you're a Boomer, Gen X or era-independent, if you want to advance your spiritual beliefs, perhaps you should consider the paraphrased performance-focused advice of Francis of Assisi: "Preach often. When necessary, use words."

With that as a workplace backdrop (with appropriate career advancement in mind), are you a high performer? The Apostle Peter noted that a high-performing Christian will attract attention (I Peter 3:15). If there exists perceived connectivity between your outstanding work performance and your spiritual belief system, then the chances are then that your religion will be viewed both as the driver, and as high performing and attractive. If that is the case, what then will happen to your career?

After all, from a practical persuasive point of view, demonstration and performance trumps rhetoric and theology any day.

Irrational "cool" -- How are we wired to make decisions?

As social media continues to ramp up--whether we want it or not--efforts to determine just how consumers (or the general public for that matter) make decisions also continues apace. Are we more emotional? Or do we deploy rational logic?Related to this is the consideration that the elusive title of "Cool" is irrational from a number of dataviews -- how "cool" is defined, who possesses the authority to bestow the title of "cool" and the like. The mysteries of the Human Dynamic--what motivates and drives us--continue with little real illumination.

PR News offered up a recent piece on human emotions and drivers which was quite interesting and worth a read, especially as some marketers and PR pros will serve up high emotion (which may promote irrationality) to motivate decision-makers. Among other bits, the PR News account included the above motivational/emotive map of blackberry users vs. iPhone owners. Clearly the Blackberry types are a bit more achievement-oriented and practical than the iPhone people, who clearly view the objective of "having fun" as more of a driver.

As one lets this all roll around in one's head, then the progenitors and outcomes concerning any given "brand" begin to insert themselves. As humans indiscriminately assign value to an object or concept--thus producing the "brand"--how is this process truly influenced?

Perhaps some food for thought in this cluttered market- and mind-place.