On January 20, 1986, the United States observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the first time. MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday in the first month of the year, coinciding with the birthday of the prominent civil rights leader born on January 15, 1929. Thirty-eight years later, we still honor the life and legacy of a man who dedicated his life to moving a nation deeply divided by race toward justice and equality.
The philosophy of Dr. King and his unwavering commitment to nonviolence are truly worth celebrating. Throughout his life, Dr. King was “a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness.” While his impact is still evident today, his message isn’t limited to guiding individuals in interacting with each other. Businesses can also benefit from studying Dr. King’s leadership skills, ability to drive change, and capacity to show love. By learning from his life’s work, businesses can gain valuable insights into improving their operations.
While Dr. King advocated for justice and equity, he also promoted becoming citizens of “a beloved community… where men will live together as brothers.” Josiah Royce, the leading American idealist and philosopher of his time, is the father of the concept of a Beloved Community. However, it was Dr. King who popularized it. King’s idea of a “Beloved Community” is “a global society founded on justice, equal opportunity and love of one’s fellow human beings.”
At Credico, we firmly believe that creating a “Beloved Community” within businesses can lead to positive changes from the top down. Such changes can strengthen all companies and their respective industries locally and globally. Fostering a mindset of a beloved community in the workplace and daily interactions with people from all walks of life who interact with our business in some way is part of our company culture. This principle is at our core and the values that guide us. We’ve listed how we recalibrate our moral compass every MLK Day based on his most inspirational quotes and how your business can do the same:
Credico’s Company Culture
We recognize that our culture is the foundation of our organization. It’s the soul, the character of our business. Considering that a positive and healthy work culture makes a more productive and happier team, our culture must mirror our values and achievements.
“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
Working Together
To achieve success, we must work together. As industry leaders for over 30 years, our strength lies in our partnerships. Our work is not a one-person job, and we recognize that the collective effort of our team is what has brought us this far. We are proud to be partner-strong and will continue to succeed through our collaborative efforts.
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
Embracing Change
Staying innovative and agile is crucial to adapt to change and remain resilient, especially in a digital world where we are a people-first organization. Since our establishment in 1991, we have experienced multiple changes. It might be challenging to anticipate and prepare for what lies ahead, but businesses must do so to achieve success. It takes a strong belief in yourself, your mission, and your people to endure whatever changes may come.
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”
Making a Difference
We strive to ensure we are making a difference every chance we get. It is with a deep sense of urgency and sincerity that we do. That’s why Credico USA’s Community Service Committee (CSC) is our promise to support and serve our community. This devoted team actively seeks opportunities for us to serve and does so throughout the year.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Including Everyone
As a global organization, we are dedicated to fostering and embracing the diversity of humanity. Diversity strengthens our business and is a source of strength that enhances our influence on our clients and communities. We take great pride in the diverse talents of our team members. We are forever committed to advocating for civil rights, equality, and justice.
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
Treating Others Well
Business doesn’t have to be in ruthless competition. Instead, being fair, honest, cooperative, and easy to work with should be the norm. We can create a more harmonious business environment by treating each other with kindness and respect. Kindness is not a weakness but the most humane way to behave, especially in business. We believe business should be personal, and being kind is a good business strategy.
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
Staying Hungry
We were founded by an entrepreneur, which means we embody an entrepreneurial spirit through and through. We strive to maintain that spark every day, and in everything we do. Having undergone every stage of business growth, we fully comprehend the ambition required for one to become and sustain business ownership. That same drive propels us to work long hours, stay up late into the night, and wake up early in the morning. It keeps us hungry and humble.
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
We integrate Dr. King’s priorities and philosophy into daily interactions with our teams, partners, customers, and community. We view MLK Day as a yearly reminder to serve, reevaluate our service to others, practice equality, and, most importantly, kindness. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. personified authentic leadership. Businesses can learn so much from him; by doing so, we can collectively make the world a better place and create a beloved community.