Statement of Beliefs #10
Posted by Craig Johnson on November 30, 2011
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#10 – WE RECOGNIZE THAT ANY SUCCESS WE ACHIEVE IS A GIFT FROM GOD
This belief is centered around the idea that life is at its core, a gift. Our work is a gift. Our talents are gifts. Our clients are gifts. Matchstic is a gift to us all. One thing about a gift is that it's given, not earned. While we all work hard each day to do our very best, we also know that we're not the orchestrators of life. Rather there is one greater than us all that has hung the stars, crafted us with his hands and pulled us all together to do this work we love. It's about living a life of gratitude and being content with what we've been given. It's knowing that the paths that have brought us all together are not accidental.
This belief hits home for me. Truth be told, I'm an accidental entrepreneur. I never dreamed of owning my own company, but I kind of fell into it through a series of events that I cannot take credit for. Knowing how easy it is for me to try and take credit for something, it's important for me to hold this belief close to my heart and know that at the end of the day, there is one far greater than me giving me gifts I don't deserve. And for that I am incredibly grateful.
Past Beliefs:
- #1 – We hold each other's feet to the fire.
- #2 – We follow through on our word.
- #3 – We rise and fall as a team.
- #4 – We know the difference between a career and a life.
- #5 – We will be profitable; this is not a social club.
- #6 – We recognize that it's their flag, not ours.
- #7 – We know our clients aren't always right, but neither are we.
- #8 – When in doubt, we will fight for relationships.
- #9 – We will make our city a better place to live.
Alana Dy
Alvin Diec
Becky O'Mara
Blake Howard
Dustin Britt
Jason Orme
John Bowles
Staci Janik
9 Comments
"The absolute perfect ending to your 10 Beliefs. I can't tell you what it means to read a post like this from a company like yours, and know that it's completely true.
I thank God that I've been given a chance to be a part of the design community."
- Scott Fuller
"Hi Craig,
I really enjoyed reading all your statements of belief and it's great that all of you spent the effort to define what makes your company. This last one led me to a question: would a designer that did not share matchstic's belief in God not be welcome as a team member, or at least not be a good fit for the company culture? I.e. is it a prerequisite for being a part of the team? This last belief is a different one from 1-9, and led me to wonder."
- nach
"Nach, great question. One's personal beliefs about God are in no way a prerequisite to being a part of the Matchstic team. Those beliefs are a part the DNA of our founders and if one is adamantly opposed to the idea, there is potential for them to struggle in our culture. But that is up to each person to decide for him or herself; it's not something we will decide for anyone. Thanks for asking."
- Craig Johnson
"I just read through all of these. So so inspiring. You guys & gals are a beacon of light."
- Bryan Johnson
"Great series and great capstone post."
- Roy
"Wow, you guys are my hero's. Thank you so much for sharing. The dedication, the drive and the passion you guys have for your work and each other is inspirational."
- Jake Bartholomew
"yes and thank you. really."
- Nate
"Thanks for leading the way and challenging us all to stop and think about what we believe in, and clearly communicate it. You and your company are a super model of what can be done when you do what you love and stay true to who you are."
- Todd Miechiels
"This is excellent! Thanks for posting- you guys should write a book."
- Daniel Wisler