Whether it’s clothes, computers, or food, most people emulate and copy other members of their tribe or social group.
ADAGE
Respect the Tribe
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RESPONSE
Whether it’s clothes, computers, or food, most people emulate and copy other members of their tribe or social group. Children learn behavior by copying those around them. Adults do much the same. People mimic the behavior of their peers whether they are choosing an investment or a restaurant—even if their own judgment would direct them elsewhere. As people observe and follow each other, they contribute additional momentum to the vortex, in turn drawing in more people. In a modern market-driven economy it produces a unique result—a compulsion to copy the purchasing behavior of others, and the willingness to pay a premium to do this. The foundation of our remarkable success as a species has been our instinctive inclination to accept, mimic, and propagate the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of others in our tribe. Ignore this aspect of human decision at your peril. Unity pleases God. Unity is not uniformity; you can be different but should seek to complement rather than conflict with people. As a Christian business owner, when possible, seek other Christians who share your faith. Surrounding yourself with like-minded employees, customers, suppliers, and partners is a huge competitive advantage.
SCRIPTURE
John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
QUESTIONS
How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?
Is it smart to surround yourself with people of your faith when operating a business? Explain.
A long-held belief in business is to surround yourself with people who think differently, but is this good advice for the Christian? Explain.
If you want to use your enterprise platform to execute the Great Commission, how do you do this if you surround yourself with all-Christian employees and organizations?
How should you attempt to attract secular employees, customers, suppliers, and partners?
DOWNLOAD
Download the free PDF worksheet for this adage, print it, and use it in your meeting, conference, or group.
