Whether for your organization or for your personal life guide, identifying and living your core values is the key to living your best life full of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. This year long series explores twelve single words that can guide your decisions and provide you with your North Star. Knowing your most important values makes decision making easy. When life throws you curves, or your road splits, your core values will always point you to the right path. We’ve discussed Integrity, Excellence and Courage. This month, we look at Stewardship.
Stewardship is a core value that emphasizes the responsible management of resources, both natural and human. This principle recognizes that individuals and organizations have a duty to care for the world around them, protecting it for future generations. In essence, stewardship is a commitment to leave the world a better place than we found it. A commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and diversity, equity, inclusiveness and belonging are an example of living out this value.
Stewardship involves the careful use and preservation of resources, whether they are natural, financial, or human. When it comes to natural resources, it means conserving and protecting the environment for future generations. This includes practices such as recycling, reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and minimizing pollution. Stewardship also involves responsible land management practices, such as sustainable farming and forestry, which help to maintain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. As professionals with Stewardship as a “I’m going to live it” value this means taking very careful intention in the products we recommend and sell, in the suppliers we choose to partner with, and in taking an keen interest in the where and how the products we are putting into the world are sourced.
In terms of financial resources, stewardship involves using money wisely and ethically. This means making responsible investments and avoiding unnecessary risk-taking, as well as being transparent and accountable in financial dealings. It also involves giving back to the community through philanthropic endeavors, such as charitable donations or volunteer work. PromoCares is an industry group committed to helping us partner in ways so our sourcing results in maximum good. Check out their PromoCares Water4Good Collection page on Facebook. The SAGE product search engine can help you find suppliers with a giveback component.
Human resources are also a critical component of stewardship. This means treating people with respect, dignity, and fairness, while also providing them with opportunities to grow and develop. It involves creating a work environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and open communication. It also means investing in the health, safety, and well-being of employees, as well as their families and communities. Our industry has a large number of Solopreneurs working alone. It’s important that we commit to self-care. Making healthy eating choices, keeping active, stepping away and avoiding stress are ways to show stewardship of your most important asset - your heart.
Stewardship is an essential value for businesses, organizations, and individuals. It ensures that resources are used efficiently and sustainably, minimizing waste and maximizing value. It also helps to build trust and credibility with associates, customers, and partners, who recognize that the organization is committed to acting in the best interests of the wider community. Additionally, stewardship can lead to long-term financial success, as responsible management practices can help to reduce costs and increase profitability.
However, stewardship is not always easy. It requires a long-term perspective and a willingness to make sacrifices in the short-term for the benefit of future generations. It can also require difficult decisions, such as choosing to invest in sustainable technologies or practices that may be more expensive in the short-term. It also requires a commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as a willingness to listen to feedback and make adjustments as needed. It means being willing to lose a sale if the product, practice or any part of the deal means compromising your commitment to this value. Yes, you may be called to leave money on the table. (Your reputation is worth more than thirty pieces of silver, Judas).
Despite these challenges, stewardship is a value that is increasingly recognized as essential for success in the 21st century. As we face global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality, stewardship provides a framework for addressing these issues in a responsible and sustainable way. By embracing stewardship as a core value, we can create a world that is more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable for all.
By embracing stewardship as a core value, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world, leaving it better than we found it.
Paul Kiewiet MAS+ is an industry speaker, writer, consultant and coach. He serves as the executive director of MiPPA. Kiewiet was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame and the MiPPA Hall of Fame. He served as Chairman of PPAI in 2007. A former distributor, he founded Promotion Concepts, Inc in 1982 and worked with some of America’s most valuable brands including Coca-Cola, Kelloggs, and Whirlpool.