Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy. For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger. And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distils a poison in the wine. And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man’s ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.
Poem by Kahlil Gibran
Love is a force that has the power to change the world. It is the driving force behind all #meaningfulwork, and it is what gives our lives #purpose and #meaning. In a world that is often filled with negativity and division, it is more important than ever that we come together and use our collective minds and hearts to make a positive impact on the world. This is especially true when it comes to business. For too long, the primary focus of #business has been on making money irrespective of negative consequences. But we must change this paradigm and recognize that businesses have the power to be a #forceforgood in the world. By advocating for the well-being of all stakeholders and the impact on the environment, businesses can use their platform to make a positive difference in the world and work towards a brighter future for us all.
No doubt, it has been a difficult 2022 in many respects, but we must not lose hope. The cost of living has soared, the invasion of Ukraine has caused international tensions, and environmental problems continue to threaten our planet. As a consequence of these challenges, social unrest is on the rise as people struggle to make ends meet and find a sense of purpose in an increasingly chaotic world. It’s clear that humanity is in crisis, and more and more businesses are expected to step up and play a role in finding solutions.
As consumers become more socially and environmentally conscious, they are increasingly seeking out companies that align with their #values and are making a positive impact in the world. They want to support businesses that are not only focused on profits, but that are also working to address some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. This shift in consumer attitudes is driving many businesses to rethink their priorities and consider how they can be a force for good in the world.
But what does it mean for a business to be a force for good? As the #consciouscapitalism movement advocates, it starts with aligning with a set of values that go beyond just making money. It means considering the impact of your business on people, the planet, and the community. It means finding ways to use your resources and influence to make a positive difference in the world. Work is love made visible. As the wise words of poet Kahlil Gibran remind us, “if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.”
One way businesses are doing this is by taking a stand on social and environmental issues. Many businesses, particularly those certified as “B Corporations” by B Lab, are becoming more vocal about their values and using their platform to advocate for causes they believe in. They are also finding ways to incorporate #sustainablepractices into their operations, from reducing waste to sourcing materials responsibly.
However, there is some backlash against this type of #sustainableinvesting by those who still adhere to the Milton Friedman #shareholder primacy doctrine, which prioritizes shareholder profits above all else. It’s important that we do not allow this narrow, yet widespread, viewpoint to persist, as work has the potential to become ‘love made visible’ when we prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders and the impact on the world.
Of course, being a force for good is not just about making a positive impact on the world. It also means creating a positive work environment for employees. This includes offering fair pay, opportunities for growth and development, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. When employees feel valued and supported in their work, they are more likely to be #engaged and motivated to make a positive contribution to the company.
As the world continues to face a range of challenges, it’s clear that businesses have a critical role to play in finding solutions. By aligning with values that go beyond just making money, companies can be a force for good in the world and create a sense of purpose and meaning for their employees.
How will you use your skills and resources to make a positive impact in the world?
Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Let’s make that our #2023 #newyearsresolution!
With love,
Elina
#employeeengagment #executivecoaching #purposefulleadership #leadershipdevelopment #consciousleadership #businessasaforceforgood #leadwithpurpose #esg #leadwithheart #businessimpact #employeemotivation #takeastand #2023vision #2022reflections