Aim to be a Mensch

While applying for jobs a few days ago, I paused, wanting to learn more about a company with an unusual Cetacea-themed name.

For the most part, I mindlessly apply for jobs, believing if I reach a critical mass of applications, the weight will trigger responses from hiring managers. In the past, I’ve kept track of each application. Now I just apply, thinking I’ll eventually get an interview when the moon and sun align, pigs fly, and rainbows yield pots of gold.

The company intrigued me. What did whales have to do with AI agents and ecommerce analytics?

While I didn’t learn the answer, I watched a video, featuring the two founders. They discussed why they started the business, philosophy for supporting customers, and long-term goals. They also talked about being a mensch when talking to customers to collaborating with coworkers.

The German word for man or person is mensch. Woven into Yiddish, mensch has multiple meanings that pivot around kindness, integrity, accountability, generosity, and being an example to others.

Another aspect of being a mensch is performing small acts, which make a better society. A Jewish mandate is tikkun olam, which means repair the world. Not only can individuals initiate change, and have the ability to do so, but they have an obligation to work towards solving imperfections, including poverty, violence, war, inequity, racism, illness, greed, and injustice.

While change, especially societal, takes time, every day, we can strive to be a mensch. We can choose to be respectful, helpful, and compassionate. We can be allies for marginalized groups and speak up when we see wrongs being committed.