More than a living: The Postulates

Toby and I have discussed More than a living for more than a decade. So we’ve had a lot of time to think about what the concept means to us. We’ve internalized it. And we’ve ranted about it.

But now we actually have to give it some form.

Well, that is a tad more difficult. (It’s a lot easier to just complain.)

So what do you do when you need to establish the foundation for an effort?

Most people write a manifesto. But we didn’t really think that we had a manifesto, per se. And everybody has a manifesto. So we kinda didn’t want one.

What we had, we decided, was a series of postulates. To wit, a postulate is something taken as self-evident or assumed without proof as a basis for reasoning.

And “postulates” is more fun to say than manifesto. Manifesto sounds so mean. And militant. We’d rather be more subversive and less obvious.

So we have postulates. And, speak of the devil, here they are:

Your work should mean more than a number on a paycheck.

  • We believe you should derive satisfaction from your work.
  • We believe that your work should be driven by fulfillment and emotional reward.
  • We believe that you should have something to show for your effort.
  • We believe that results do not equal hours.
  • We believe that only you define “successful” efforts (personally and professionally).
  • We believe that you should be proud of what you do.

You can succeed within the artifice of the corporation.

  • We believe you can work within the system.
  • We believe starting your own business should be a choice, not a requirement.
  • We believe in championing respect for the individual employee.
  • We believe that your value is underestimated by “human resources” and inadequately compensated through “benefits.”
  • We believe you are smarter than your peers and, quite likely, your superiors.

You must take responsibility for your education and growth.

  • We believe you should never stop learning.
  • We believe you should never stop growing.
  • We believe you should be concerned about what your work says about you.
  • We believe you should crave criticism as much as—if not more than—praise.
  • We believe you should be your own toughest critic.
  • We believe you must take risks to discover your potential.

You will create the legacy that enables and inspires future employees.

  • We believe you were meant to create.
  • We believe your vision can be realized.
  • We believe your committed inspiration builds momentum.
  • We believe you are more than a bit character in someone else’s story.
  • We believe your greatest contribution should be realized and shared.

You are not alone.

  • We believe you must collaborate to succeed.
  • We believe your ability to adapt and evolve is your greatest asset.
  • We believe in the best of you.
  • We believe you have something to share.