Martin Luther King Jr. on Labor in America

Let me say, celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Take a moment to reflect on what could be equality and peace.

A lot has changed since the life of Martin Luther King Jr. There has been much progress in social rights, but the socio-economic divide continues to grow, as Paul Krugman points out in “How Fares the Dream?”  Remember, this is a day to celebrate his life, and continue his cause. MLK’s mission of racial and socio-economic equality continues at the hands of his disciples, long after his assasination. Happy Birthday Reverend King (the next day we still celebrate).

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” – Martin Luther King Jr., from “The Domestic Impact of War,” 1967.

Great visions can mold an entire culture. People flocked to Martin Luther King Jr. Venues gave him stages and microphones. TV channels broadcasted his speeches because social good hung on his word. And his audience grew and grew.

In the business world, visionaries create company. Great business models – models to better industries – need support from the right people. Building together. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to the hungry voices eager for change. Together they changed the world. SmartRecruiters gives away the best technology in order to level the playing field of businesses with great resources and business without great resources.

For change to take hold, we must empower the leaders. Surround yourself with the right people.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr., from “Where Do We Go From Here?” 1967.

Sometimes to better the world, normative motives must supersede positive ones. In other words when you see much darkness, that does not mean the light does not exist. On contrary, the light longs to be seen. What is, is not always what should be. What is, is definitely not always what can be.

Along these lines, Jerome Ternynck, asked “Is unemployment a fatality?” And founded the Zero Unemployment Movement in April 2011. The Zero Unemployment Movement believes that unemployment can be globally eradicated with the creation of a more efficient labor market. We believe that if one is willing to work, one should have the opportunity to work. It is a fact that if search friction is reduced in the labor market, more job opportunities will be readily available.

If you adhere to Maya Angelou’s view – “I believe that  every person is born with talent” – is it so normative that everyone can have satisfying work?

“Privileged classes never give up their privileges without strong resistance …  If we wait for it to work itself out, it will never be worked out.” – Martin Luther King Jr., from “The Birth of a New Nation,” 1957.

Just because you have a better idea, it does not mean that idea will necessarily prevail. Good ideas must be fought for. Existing ideas have inertia. Leaders must recognize what must be done. Then, recruit the people to help you do it.

If you need a skill that is not on staff, that skill will not just magically appear. You have to go out and find the people who can change the world. Hire today.