By Donn Sorensen with Vicki French Bennington
We all know there is social inequity in the world, and we all know we should count and cherish our blessings.
If you are healthy, you are better off than about 150,000 people in the world, who won’t live through the day, according to the World Health Organization.
If you have food to eat, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep at night, you are better off than 75 percent of people around the globe.
If you have money in your pocket or in a drawer, you are in the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthiest people.
If you can read, you are more fortunate than 2 billion of the world’s population, who can’t.
Though these thoughts are not always forefront in our minds, those of us in developed countries are all generally aware of the collective society within our world and our privileged place within it. Aristotle crystallized the concept of the common good in which he asserts that no one person possesses the talent to flourish on his own.
Three weeks ago, I had knee surgery. I couldn’t have done that myself. This morning, I ate eggs for breakfast. I am not a farmer. Other people have contributed to the common good to make things like this possible for all of us.
But there can be a collapse in sound justice. If every one of us does not give back in some way, or if people are unable to access the common good, the system breaks down.
Everyone needs to have access to food, health care, education, and to be (and feel) safe. But if you look at the statistics I mentioned, we see there is social inequity in the world. Apply this line of thinking to our country and then our communities, and social inequity is prevalent.
There have always been the “haves” and “have nots,” but it’s important to become a force for good to help restore social justice for everyone. We can do this by contributing our gifts and talents for the common good. Every single one of us needs to do our part to ensure access to all.
Unfortunately, many of us who enjoy life’s benefits tend to take them for granted. But we all need to work to ensure society, in general, works for the community at large. Everyone should give something in whatever way they can. The first step is being aware of the need to do so.
And we can give back in many ways: by being a caring person, being a good listener, treating others with dignity, and by volunteering and working for social change for everyone.
Stop and think deeply about what you can do to be a force for good.And always remember the basic principle that not one of us can flourish alone – without the community. We are all dependent on our fellow man.
Compassionate leadership can help spread the word. If you educate those who look to you, and demonstrate how you, as a leader, give back and reach out for the common good, you can inspire others to assist in the restoration of justice.
As it is written in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; he who refreshes others will be refreshed.” I find so much meaning in this verse and work hard to apply it in my own life.
Personally, I work with the Care to Learn organization. We help children to be successful in school so we can break the generational poverty gap. It’s not their fault that they were born into poverty, yet they often face the consequences that can keep them from getting an education, which keeps the cycle in motion. If a child has no food, they may not sleep because they are hungry, and the last thing they are thinking of is studying. If they don’t have proper clothing for school, they may dress in such a way that they are cold or hot, or embarrassed. All of these things contribute to them not getting a proper education. We want to change that for as many children as possible.
That’s my passion. Everyone needs to get involved in some way, and find his or her own passion.It’s good for all of us, and it is right to help others.
The ability to lead with your heart or with compassion exists inside each and every one of us, and showing it to your employees and people around you inspires them to do the same.
Sorensen is the author of “Big-Hearted Leadership: Five Keys to Create Success Through Compassion.” He is the executive vice president of operations for Mercy Health and regional president of Mercy’s West region. He serves as chairman of Care to Learn and often speaks at various colleges and universities, encouraging the next generation of leaders. For more information, visit donnsorensen.com.
