PThe buzzwords today are spirituality in the workplace. Books are being written, conferences are being held, companies are changing how they interact with their employees. But the truth is that spirituality has always been present in the workplace. That which we are - spiritual beings - is not separate from our physical presence.

PThe difficulty is that we can and do cut ourselves off from that aspect of ourselves. Of course this is self-deception since our spiritual essence is our "true" self. But as a result of free will, we can choose to believe that we're separate from any form of higher intelligence and conclude that our actions do not have a greater impact than that felt by those in our circle of influence.

PMy goal isn't to try to convince you of your spirituality. My goal is to determine what people really want when they use the term spirituality in the workplace.

PCreativity in the Workplace

PI believe we're asking for a work environment that encourages each person to express their fully creative, contributing, and powerful self. The old business model of control, of treating employees as a commodity, doesn't work. And finally...it has become obvious to those business owners and corporate types that have been searching for a new model.

PMost of them have come to the conclusion that in order to have sustained success for their companies, they must access the enormously powerful and creative force a good employee offers. Those business owners and corporate leaders who have not recognized this fact will not be successful in the next millennium. Why? Because advances in technology are the result of creative people working together.

PFulfilled Employees Equal Superior Service
Our company in Houston, Front Office, has 24 employees. A constant goal for our supervisors is to provide as much latitude as possible to their employees. This has a two-fold effect it allows our employees the opportunity to grow, and Front Office reaps the benefit of having many powerful partners working together for its common objective of awesome customer service.

POur employees are the first line of contact, dealing directly with clients in a service industry. In order to deliver awesome customer service, our employees are empowered to make on-the-spot decisions when dealing with clients' questions and/or concerns.

PBy providing a supportive, encouraging work environment, our employees share in the knowledge that they are integral to the success of Front Office. We've found, that the employees who enjoy their jobs the most, are those who know what an asset they are to our clients' businesses, who take pride in providing superior service, and who have a sense of fulfillment in their jobs/careers.

PAn outgrowth of having fulfilled, joyful employees, are satisfied clients. "Walking our talk" by providing an office environment dedicated to growth, we along with our employees, are demonstrating our belief that-
a)a job can be completed in a variety of ways;
b)we can be flexible in our office environment and still get the work done; c) we can work as a team toward the common goal of satisfied clients without sacrificing individuality.

PAt Front Office, we understand that our mission - to provide superior service - is the only mission we need to be successful. We know, by joyfully providing superior service, we are in flow and consequently able to joyfully receive all the good that flows back to us.

PBe Open to the Possibilities

PAs an Employee...

PHow do you express yourself in the workplace? Does your job/career offer meaning or are you there simply to collect a paycheck?

PWork can be an extremely creative environment, offering challenges to overcome and problems to solve. Your co-workers will, at times, present opportunities for personal growth.

PYou have the chance to learn new technology; you can even invent it, if you wish. There's a sense of satisfaction that comes when you've successfully tackled and completed a project, giving it the best of your knowledge and skill.

PTruly, you can experience unlimited growth in your job/career when you view it with an open-mind, considering what you can do to make your job more efficient, more meaningful, and more fun.

PAs an Employer...

PHow do you express yourself as an employer? Do you view your employees as integral to the success of your business and treat them as such? Do you share your vision for your company's future with them?

PDo you share your dreams and passion for your business with your employees? Do you give them the opportunity to offer their ideas and insights, expanding your company's vision?

PDo you offer flexibility in your decision-making, viewing each situation as an opportunity infused with possibilities, rather than "just another" problem to be dealt with? Do you provide a setting that champions employees who express their creativity? Do you value the sacred self of each person equally, regardless of that person's position in your organization?

PThe Workplace - A Reflection of our Consciousness
I believe the shift that's occurring in the workplace is reflective of the shift that's taking place in humanity's consciousness. Many of us have made the decision to be fully present and involved in life. It's no longer acceptable just to have a "job". We want to work or to do business in an environment that is open to our individual and unique contributions. We want to know that we do make a difference.

P(c)'99 by Aleta Pippin, founder Authentic Entrepreneuring, coaching for individuals and small business owners who want to unleash your inner power to create true success from the inside out. Take your life and your business to the next level. Visit http://www.aentrepreneur.com for more information and to sign up for your free newsletter.