My article can be found in the April edition of AGEFI Luxembourg.
The meaning lies elsewhere
According to philosopher Julia De Funès, the common point between the three meanings of the word ‘sense’—namely, sensation, direction, and significance—reveals that meaning is always provided by an externality[1].
“Meaning is never where we are, but where we are going!”
Consequently, after each of us experienced the sensations caused by lockdown, it becomes essential, to emerge from it, if I may say so, to set a destination not merely for a vacation, which we all greatly need, but primarily for commitment.
The passage from one world to another
In other words, the tangible experience during lockdown of our shortcomings, our deep needs, and our ‘non-negotiables’ will have allowed us to bring to light our value system—our ‘rudder,’ so to speak.
Indeed, for the existentialists we will have more or less become during this crisis, this forced process of questioning thought constitutes one of the gems of this period. It is, as Julia De Funès always emphasizes, an exclusively human prerogative to seek the meaning one wishes to give to one’s life.
Each individual will equip themselves with their value system to navigate the post-crisis world. This in itself represents true progress, certainly, but not sufficient progress.
If, as individuals, we have, willingly or unwillingly, acquired a new rudder, at the same time, the world’s mapping is also changing.
The fact is that this devastating microbe has placed us all on the same side, even beyond the notion of borders. It has superbly eliminated the idea that there are good guys on one side and bad guys on the other. Even if each person experiences it and contributes in their own way, we are all facing this pandemic together.
The reaction we are witnessing is one of solidarity, whether from states or groups that have spontaneously formed to defend and help the weakest. This is a strong sign that our society is striving to guarantee everyone a means to survive and move forward.
The Company in the Light of Solidarity
How can the company, which also represents a community of destinies, integrate this other gem, this other value that is solidarity?
One of the most sensible and committed answers can be provided by the works of Blanche Ségrestin and Kevin Levillain[2], who co-authored the concept of the ‘mission-driven company’ as early as 2010. A mission-driven company dedicates its activity to a common social and environmental cause, and is not solely intended to generate profits.
As we showed at the beginning of this article, working for the sake of working can no longer suffice; just as enriching oneself for the sake of enriching oneself can no longer be the sole vocation of the company. The raison d’être of the latter, its contribution to society, could become its new destination.
The time has therefore come for companies to rethink their purposes so that they can contribute more to the common good! The time has come for them to offer a new destination to their employees so that each individual can fulfill themselves, pursue a clear project that makes sense, and be convinced of its usefulness.
Creating a learning, livable, and sustainable society is only possible by developing mutual aid and relying on one’s peers.
It is working together that makes all the difference today!
1] Meaning, Atelier Philo, Julia de Funès – Arnauld Rosine, Podcast, March 23, 2020
[2] The Company’s Mission in the Face of Contemporary Responsibility Challenges, by B. Ségrestin and K. Levillain (eds.), The Mission of the Responsible Company. Principles and Management Standards, Presses des Mines, 2018