A Different Kind of Debt

Fiscal responsibility. It’s something that we are all taught to value and aspire to. Whether as individuals, families, non-profits, small businesses or large corporations, our focus is often drawn – eventually – to the financial bottom-line. 

In and of itself, I don’t take issue with that. After all, money is important in the world in which we live. It is necessary for EVERYONE to have money in some measure, in order to be able to live, and especially to live comfortably. 

Even while we acknowledge that truth, however, here’s something to consider: there are other kinds of debt that get created when our focus is simply on avoiding financial debt. 

Social debt.
Moral debt.
Wellness or “health” debt.  

These are all real things, even if the language feels unfamiliar. And the impact of these versions of debt can be as debilitating as financial debt. 

Here’s why I’m raising this: currently, there is a big focus on creating equity and justice in our world, and moreover to do so in a more meaningful way than we’ve done to date. Many groups, companies and organizations are recognizing the importance of dismantling systems of injustice and inequity and creating more inclusive environments and spaces. By doing so, they are having to take stands that they may not have been so vocal about in the past. And as they become more vocal, they may find financial support for their causes start to dwindle.  

Think about the faith group that takes a stand for inclusion of all regardless of sexual orientation and loses members who are more conservative – and used to donate quite generously.  

Or, the agency operating in a predominantly white community that starts to be more expansive in its hiring practices, and faces an uproar as their workforce starts to reflect different nationalities and skin-tones. They may find former supporters turning their backs on them.  

There are numerous examples like this. If you find yourself in similar waters (or fearing that such backlash may be coming your way soon), there are a couple of questions that must be asked: first, what do you truly stand for, and why? Second, how strong a stand are you willing to take for whatever cause you’re espousing? And finally, what debt are you willing to carry in order to be in integrity with that stand? 

If financial debt is all you care about, if you are so afraid of “being in the red” or experiencing reduced fundraising, odds are you won’t take the stand you truly need to take. You’ll be wishy-washy at best. Or outright disingenuous at worst. It takes a lot of energy to be disingenuous; and it’s not energy well-spent. 

Here’s where I want to point you this week: figure out what bottom-line matters most to you (this applies both personally and professionally). Rest assured, you can absolutely be concerned about different bottom-lines at the same time. That being said, when you know what truly matters to you, then you’ll be able to determine which bottom-line to pay attention to in any given moment.  Moreover, you’ll know when to recognize that something other than money needs your attention, and you’ll be able to steer clear of debt in ALL areas, not just financial.