The principles formulated in the Benedictine Rule which govern the communal life of the monks were always of interest to the world outside of the monastery’s walls. The precepts of leading men on which an Abbott should orient himself show how one can lead and motivate people to achieving a common object while providing each person with dignity in his own fashion. This adjustment in leadership and mutual appreciation can also be applied to contemporary business.
Leading of souls: a business paralleling direction of souls
Reciprocal obedience: as a form of listening to one another
Abstaining from discrimination: birth, origin and education are not taken into regard
Principal of community: to each is given according to need
Striving to holistic perfection, moderation and humility (in the sense of „having the courage to serve“): these values not only belong to an earlier epoch but are path marks to the future.
The respectful consideration of one another and the high level of motivation among colleagues are not only worthwhile goals within a monastery but are an important aspect of corporate identity in modern business undertaking.
The guiding precept of the monks and secular co-workers at Andechs Monastery portray how one can attain this goal:
Principles of the Monastic Enterprise
at Andechs and Munich, St. Bonifaz
Preamble
The St. Bonifaz Monastery in Munich and Andechs is a Christian community, a vehicle of cultural and business enterprise in the Benedictine tradition.
The Heilige Berg is a testament to living Christian faith. It is also a place of confrontation for the Bavarian manner of life and a meeting place of multiple cultures.
In the field of contention between monastic life and profit-oriented business operation, there are positive mutual influences.
Working together both monks and their co-workers seek to sustain themselves through honorable commercial activity.
Guide lines
1. We wish to produce goods and services of high quality
which satisfy the needs of our customers and guests.
We wish to present our products in a friendly, competent,
cooperative and environmentally-positive manner.
2. We listen to each other and communicate with one another.
We work together and not against each other.
This is a symbol of our togetherness.
In this environment every individual can develop his capabilities.
3. We are open to new ideas and change.
It is our tradition to be progressive;
our progress is based on this great tradition.
