My MacGuffin

Spirituality is an infinite concept. Business is virtually incomprehensible in theory and practice. Consequently, deep exploration of both is beyond the scope of this book.

It is written for advisors, coaches, mentors, support professionals and therapists, whether employed and/or running their own practices. My MacGuffin is concerned with reconciling the seemingly opposing dynamics of spirituality and business. In terms of lifting the world of commerce to its highest ideal, this is explored in twenty-three engaging chapters.

The book’s title borrows from Alfred Hitchcock’s self-styled plot device. A ‘MacGuffin’ is a seemingly vital element–the contents of a briefcase, ‘top secret’ documents–never actually revealed to the audience yet intrinsic to the characters’ motivations. We correlate this with the quest to learn who one is, why one is here and where one is going.

In this period of unprecedented change, we intend My MacGuffin to be a timely ‘cheerleader.’ Our aim is to instil confidence in support professionals by raising awareness of other practitioners who are integrating spiritual beliefs in the workplace. Our objective is to ‘enable the enablers’ by providing examples of authentic practice.

There are innumerable business books and, from our viewpoint, encouragingly, ever increasing spirituality-related titles. The best ‘edge’ in either genre is to 'kiss-and-tell.' A close second is to publish 'know-how.'

However, two points:

1) Professional advisors are, rightly, bound by relevant Codes of Conduct. Anecdotes and case studies of a generic nature are permitted. Specific client information is not.

2) Arguably, no one today has perfected the art of enlightened living. If they have and indeed were to have made that public, they would likely be worshipped while they walk on water.

Likewise, it is a truism that no one has devised the perfect business model. It stands to reason that they would already be exploiting the licensing rights, the rest of us following it via a Haynes Owners Workshop Manual special edition, while they sip drinks on a beach in Tahiti.

People want easy solutions. Let our tales be reminders that these are improbable in business. In relation to spiritual adepthood, quick fixes are likely to be dubious. Experiences in the workplace and of spirituality are also unique to each individual. In an age of soundbite, spin and micro-blogging, it’s easy to come across as superficial. We want you to read slowly, to contemplate and to then apply thoughts and feelings arising from our words in your spheres of influence.

The book is a synthesis and our stories are multi-layered. They are derived from our respective experiences of being, at varying times, employed, under-employed, unemployed, self-employed and employers. We explore the issues without creation of a ‘how-to’ or glib claim that we have mastered anything. Dichotomy and paradox are the hallmarks of ‘All That Is’: intriguing and infuriating in equal measure.

Although we welcome all readers, we haven't set out to appeal to those starting their working lives, to beginners in business or newcomers to a spiritual path. We wouldn't go so far as to say we're aiming at the masters of each, either. Our stories are what they are: by co-authors part of the way along their paths, shared with their peers whose own journeys have yet to be completed.

There is a plethora of ‘how-to’ spiritual books and business titles lining not only the shelves of the booksellers but those of practitioners, too. Experience with our own clients is that few ever actually implement advice, however well-intentioned, wise or unwittingly sanctimonious it may be. Humanity is wired up to learn from experience, not vicariously via armchairs or words. Nevertheless, My MacGuffin reveals raw and extraordinary accounts unlike any business book you have read. It touches on profound topics in non-prescriptive yet raucous and inspiring fashion. We share our own and others’ highs and lows, of what ‘worked’ and what didn’t.

There are no firm figures for those with spiritual beliefs–as distinct from a specific religion–although global estimates range between 10% and 15%. Quantifying further, 15% of the working population in most countries chooses to work for themselves. In terms of readership appeal, we’re aiming at employees and business owners likely to be open about their spirituality. A straw poll among your colleagues and/or clientele might reflect similar percentages, if you are brave enough to risk the wrath of unbelievers.

There are over 7000 members of the Institute of Consulting (adjunct the Chartered Management Institute). The International Coach Federation exceeds 15,000 members worldwide, while the International Coaching Council currently has over 1,500 members in more than 50 countries. A 2007 MarketData report estimated that 40,000 people in the United States work as business or life coaches. The $2.4 billion ‘business coaching’ market is growing at about 18% per year, one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, according to the National Post. We are aware of increasing numbers of such professionals embracing spiritual practice. We may be in the minority but we are gathering critical mass.

The old paradigms of science and reasoned analysis still predominate. There are signs, though, that many are outgrowing empiric modalities that have influenced the way we have thought about life for centuries. Yet humanity is still being challenged to let go of outdated, damaging practices, in order to integrate more harmonious principles.

The co-authors concur with those who assert that humanity and the earth itself are undergoing incredible transformation, merging rising energies with higher frequencies, in preparation for a long-heralded Aquarian Age. It is the further embodiment of spiritual consciousness for which there is only inadequate language to describe, with all of us urged to act as midwives in its birth. The focus of this ‘new world view’ is on energetic connections, dealing and living with complexity on multiple levels. It is also important to mention here that all good learning from previous paradigms can also be applied. The ability to observe the world through these lenses offers us wider perception, with greater potential for learning and growth as a consequence.

Partnership in business is incredibly testing, particularly with personnel, let alone suppliers or customers. Statistics compiled by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) show that two out of three commercial partnerships dissolve within five years. In matters of the heart, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) records that one in five divorcees has previous marriage annulment.

In obsessive pursuit of definitions of happiness, draped in the veil of alluring yet anti-climactic words like ‘success,’ there’s a perverse fascination with ‘failure’ and the drama that clings to both.

Two-thirds of all businesses are owner-managers: one-person operations without employees. One in five businesses has less than ten employees. These courageous few–just 15% of all UK workers–may be regarded as risk-takers, yet comfortable in initiating change, reclaiming power from circumstance and doubters.

Many in the world around us are in need of healing, with commerce itself perhaps requiring the greatest attention. Businesspeople are therefore best placed to affect the necessary changes economically, environmentally, politically and socially, with many tools and resources at their disposal, particularly in these technological times. That is a huge ‘ask’ in difficult circumstances.