Open-minded doubt vs close-minded doubt

Oxford Languages define doubt as a “feeling of uncertainty”. If we are to be honest about it, aren’t we living in a life full of uncertainty? Prayers and sayings often characterize doubt as the opposite of faith, as if doubt is a sin in itself.

Open-minded doubt, to me, is healthy. I would even say it is conducive to authenticity, because this means we are aware of what we know and don’t know about our experiences, the fallibility of our insights, and the potential unintended consequences of our actions. An open-minded doubt leads to curiosity and inquiry; it can also be an opportunity to be courageous. Faithful, even.

Close-minded doubt is unhealthy, and this may be what the Bible characterizes as a sin. Close-minded doubt implies that we have certain hills we’re willing to die on even if it turns out that our beliefs may be unreasonable.

I do not see Doubting Thomas as a tragic character; rather, I see him as a relatable character precisely because he knows how fallible he is. Maybe he is aware of how prone to fear or how gullible he is, so he protects himself. Even if Jesus would comment on how doubtful and fearful His disciples are, He goes on to provide clues or signs that will resonate to them anyway.

A close-minded kind of faith – blind faith at that – is dangerous too, because it avoids inquiry. It avoids dialogue. It avoids two-way relationships.

Maybe an open-minded doubt and open-minded faith are indeed two sides of the same coin.

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John 14:6-14. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him, and you have seen him.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-123: MAY 3, 2023]

From hire-then-fire to foster-and-prosper

The rapidly changing business landscape necessitates a shift in management strategies. The traditional hire-and-fire mentality is no longer effective for building sustainable, successful businesses (see: recent layoffs in tech). A more humanistic approach, focusing on fostering growth and prosperity, is essential for long-term success and for a more meaningful kind of management that is truly a vocation.

Transactional management, based on hiring and firing employees to meet short-term needs, often results in high turnover rates, reduced employee morale, and a lack of innovation. By focusing only on immediate outcomes, businesses risk sacrificing the long-term well-being and growth of their employees and organization as a whole.

A humanistic approach to management, on the other hand, prioritizes the development of employees by creating a supportive and nurturing work environment. This approach emphasizes mentoring, continuous learning, and open communication. By cultivating a culture of growth and development, businesses can unlock the true potential of their employees.

Fostering and prospering go hand in hand. When employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization’s success.

Millennials have been singing this tune, and Gen Z’ers are turning this advocacy into a symphony. The future is bright.

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John 10:11-18. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. But the hired one, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches, and scatters the sheep: And the hired flees, because he is a hired one: and he has no care for the sheep.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-121: MAY 1, 2023]

The power of words

The rise of generative AI has made it easier to fill pages and spaces with words.

Although I understand that writers may feel that their job is threatened, I feel that there is a real opportunity to separate those who can only vomit words versus those who can meaningfully articulate words (“wordsmithing” seems like a good term to capture what I mean).

How many times have we heard lyrics from songs that literally saved our lives, or at the least made an absurd world feel more meaningful?

How many times have we read or heard stories where a quote from a character indelibly left a mark in our psyche?

Words are powerful. Magical, even. Because words can communicate insights and meaning. Words can make life more lively.

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John 6:60-69. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-119: APRIL 29, 2023]

Fulfilling promises and authenticity

Be careful of overpromising then underdelivering – this is BS.

If we are to err on the side of caution, it’s better to underpromise then overdeliver. However, too much of this can breed a sense of false humility.

But how great is a person who knows what they can promise and know that they can deliver – that person is truly self-aware and authentic.

For some reason, there is something more powerful about a person who is self-assured of oneself.

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John 6:44-51. It is written in the prophets.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-117: APRIL 27, 2023]

Who are we working with?

We often focus on our work and goals, which are important in any team. But we shouldn’t forget that the real heart of teamwork is the people we work with. We should always ask ourselves, “Who are we working with?”

The beauty of teamwork comes from connecting with our teammates. When we face challenges and grow together, we create something special. Being in the flow with our team members is an amazing experience. It’s when we truly join together and become more than just individuals.

Nothing feels as engaging as entering the flow experience with our partners. After all, that is the moment when we become one with each other, or at the very least, a whole emerges that is greater than the some of its individual parts.

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Mark 16:15-20. But they going forth preached everywhere: the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs that followed.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-115: APRIL 25, 2023]