“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
― Albert Einstein
The saying goes "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results." ft. Albert Einstein again!
You only need to look at the Occupy Wall St, Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements to understand that there is growing anger and mistrust of the business world. Society’s bullshit radar is on high alert and there is a thirst for a culture change that puts people first, where businesses connect with their stakeholders in a meaningful, authentic and accountable way.
The question is have the major institutions noticed or taken this onboard or does mob rule, our social licence givers need to force the issue? It would be a shame if we could not come together to solve the issues of the world today where businesses and humanity both play a crucial role.
There needs to be a genuine shift and culture change at a meaningful scale in the business world for this to happen. We can’t plaster the cracks and keep going as we have done in the past if we want to see anything significant shift with our climate, environment, poverty, health or economic issues. There is an ecosystem here where the economy and people can be key drivers of solutions if we’re willing to change and acknowledge we need each other.
It’s only a matter of time till businesses are regulated in that direction anyway. Wouldn’t it be novel if we could get there without the time and expense that regulation brings?
Here’s an easy measure to check whether you are on the right track.
Ask yourself, is this in the best interest of the public?
Take a social licence lens to your business strategy, values, vision and why. Are they aimed at serving the best interest of all or more self-serving? Do you engage with your stakeholders to understand what they value and need? Do you back up intentions and promises in company policy? Are you transparent in reporting back to your stakeholders?
If the answer is yes then great. If the answer is no then it is time to do think and do things differently.