The Benefits of Doing Good

This discussion of the religious shield is more than just moralistic context. I do not think it is blasphemous to acknowledge that religious activities have their tactical advantages as well. Few executives—even those who are very successful in purely business endeavors—jump to "invincible" status without tremendous community visibility. Not only does religion provide a moral impetus for becoming involved in charitable community activity, but it also provides the vehicle for attaining community visibility. Religious charities tend to be run by boards of directors that resemble a Who's Who of any given community. By participating in them when you are young, you can make strong contacts that can help you advance your career—at least to a limited extent. Executives have told me that many of their customer and client relationships started with a meeting in connection with the activities of a charitable organization. It has happened to me on several occasions, as it has to several invincible executives with whom I discussed the issue.

Moreover, as you move up the professional ladder, you will find that charities love to reward their most successful supporters with awards and publicity. You should eat this up! As long as PR is not your primary motive, you should feel no moral dilemma whatso-ever in getting something back from an organization to which you have given a great deal of time and/or money. The key to getting the most out of such a situation is to remember that religion is a shield, meaning that you never push for publicity or recognition. Let it come to you—as it certainly will—because recognition does not cost a charity anything.