57.
Good Business
Is Good for Business
Here’s a simple idea that will have a fantastic impact on your organization (and your career) once you act
on it: People want to work for a good company – one that is not only well – run but that does its part to build
a better world. Being a good business is good for business. That’s not some cheesy slogan I just came up
with – that’s what I’ve observed, having worked with real people at real companies around the world. The
best companies have a noble purpose and a clear intent to treat their people and their customers well.
Great companies also understand that while it’s mission – critical to be hugely profitable, it’s also mission –
critical to be socially responsible. Many of our clients have set up programs to help the disadvantaged or to
make communities better. I admire them more than they will ever know.
Pride is something that doesn’t get talked about much in business circles. Too bad. What I’ve
discovered is that people want to go to work each day with pride in their hearts. They want to feel good
about the company they work for. They want to know that their company – and the work they do – elevates
lives and makes a difference. Business philosopher Peter Koestenbaum expressed it so well in his
excellent book Leadership: The Inner Si de of Greatness: “Business is above all a vehicle for achieving
personal and organization greatness. It is for accomplishing something worthy and noble. Business is an
institution that can enable you to make significant contributions to society.”
People want to work for
A good company - one that is not only
Well – run but that does its part to
Build a better world.
As I’ve suggested throughout this book, we all can lead without title. We all have an impact. We all
can do good, at work – and in our communities. So become a volunteer. Give money to charities. Start to
tithe (the word actually means one – tenth, or 10%) your income to good causes. And as an organization,
engage in projects that help communities in need (by setting up a foundation or by supporting important
initiatives). Become dedicated to making a greater contribution. Stand for social responsibility as well as
remarkable profitability. Not only will you retrain your top talent and attract even more, but your customers
will respect you. Good business really is good for business. And giving really does begin the receiving
process.