Astrology aside, we have entered a year of unprecedented uncertainty, where destructive forces rule the world and darwinistic battles rage in the business life. Yet, the stock markets seem to constantly hit record highs despite of all the turmoil and the dystopic images in the global news.
Uncertainty equals always opportunity. Not only a positive opportunity to challenge the old and create new ways of thinking and doing business, but also an opportunity to benefit from fears.
Now we find ourselves in a situation where the sense of urgency, a true need for change, prevails in societies and organisations across the globe. What could be more "compelling" than to get killed without acting. And I do mean literally killed, not just going bankrupt. Wars and totalitarian regimes bring corruption and misery to most, huge fortunes to a few. Segregation and growing inequality may not anymore depend solely upon your gender, age or religion - but the sad fact is that wealth piling up in unseen masses to tax havens and individuals benefiting from the debt-driven fear economy.
As in the actual Enter the Dragon movie, we cannot allow these dark, selfish forces to win, however strong they may seem. As one guy said a few years back, we must overcome the evil with good - also in business. We, the business people, can make a difference. We can help building societies where opportunities arise for all individuals who are talented and hard-working.
Equal opportunity for all - the American dream, which has hardly ever been true in America - has been the key reason for stability and success of Northern Europe in the past. Take almost any index of societal progress and you can find the Nordic countries in the Top 10. But disruptive forces are on the move. The global capital is not in the hands of people who believe that opportunity belongs to all. Nor do they embrace the Nordic idea of true equality between us human beings.
The game, however, is not lost. We are the leaders and business influencers, the torch bearers in this overwhelming global obscurity. People want to work in organisations where trust, equality and transparency is promoted. Where leaders lead with idealized influence and respect. We can make a difference. Every day.
It is up to you to decide what your legacy to the next generation will be.
That of aiming for quick wins and taking advantage of other people's misery? Self-interest? Exploitation? Debt?
Or the legacy of equal opportunity, sustainability and responsibility?
Dragons are strong creatures with a power to destroy. Or to build. Let's choose our side wisely. Enter the Dragon.
Sam
Inspiration to the text from James Clavell books: Noble House (1981), Shogun (1975) & Tai-pan (1966) and the movie Enter the Dragon (1973). Additional influences from DJIA, S&P500, Vladimir Vladimirovitsh and Happiest countries of the world index. It can also be noted that the author of the text was born in the Year of the Dragon. Image courtesy of Freepik.
