52 Thoughts: Personal Desire and Self-Interest

When I left my job as the Pulaski County Voter Registration Supervisor one of my peers told me these words, “You know running a nonprofit is just like running a business. You will see.” I didn’t understand what she was talking about in December 2009 but now in 2020, I want to tell Bobbi, “You ain’t never lied!”

Entrepreneurship is in my blood.  I can clearly reflect on the number of side ventures my dad would talk to me about over the years. Each time, I could sense a level of vision and excitement, not necessarily concerning the end result but more so about the process. It’s in my blood to think on an idea and go through some process of implementation. There have been successes and there have been failures. Either way, I enjoy the process. Dang I enjoy it so much, I received a doctorate in organizational leadership! 

Anyways, if you desire to start something, it doesn’t matter what it is, what you are seeking to create is a manifestation of personal desire and self-interest. There can be a number of reasons you desire to create this business or charitable organization. Prove people wrong. Provide aid to kids. Support a particular need because of personal tragedy. Service which will improve the society in which you live. Tied to this personal desire to create such an entity is a measure of self-interest. Self-interest is not immoral. I propose self-interest is a morally neutral position which can only be demonstrated as moral or immoral based on the outcomes of your actions.  

So when I launched CoHO, personal desire and self-interest were at work. Twins participating in activities which have led me into a number of new activities all aligning with my vocation or calling. Yet it is a business as well. A business requiring diligence and discipline. A business which necessitates a lot of silent work, thought, tough decisions, and care. 

Why?

Businesses or charitable organization necessitate people and with people decisions have to be made. CEO’s and nonprofit directors are generally not selfish people.  I believe an argument can be made the majority of men and women in such positions with great decision making power desire the best for those who work with them on a daily basis. They have worry and doubt making decisions, and these impact people. Personal desire and self-interest are working in the lives of these “bosses” and these are not decisions every person can make. There is an emotional intelligence needed not everyone possesses. 

What do I mean. 

I have to make sure staff are compensated. 
I have to meet with staff, evaluate their performance, and take their recommendations. 
I have to make sure the lights stay on. 
I have to make sure the Internet is working. 
Students attending our academy require materials, snacks, and activities. 
There are men at our Hope Home who expect from me quality living conditions. 
Gardens need supplies.
There are reports I have to file. 
There are people who I need to communicated with to report funding and secure funding. 
I take more “No’s” than “Yes’s” 

I could go on and on and on. What I want to communicate in this thought is simply this reality. Before accepting the accusations business owners are “greedy,” “only in it for the money,” or “robbing the poor,” ask him or her what the weight of responsibility is in his or her professional life. Are there douchebags out there? Of course, I would be a fool not to acknowledge those who use the government to pass laws to make a dime off of us. (Yes I’m looking at you automakers, banks, and Planned Parenthood). 

You may not get an audience with Bezos, Zuckerberg, or Gates, but you can talk to your local business owner or nonprofit director and see the level of work required to achieve personal desire and self-interest. Twins working to satisfying that boss but also the millions of lives participating in those businesses and nonprofits.