Through a series of open letters, we aim to reach out to governments, political agencies, civil societies, investors, communities and to business leaders. This is a universal request and call for action to be a part of the change we all seek in the world currently.
This letter has 2 ‘Dos’ and 1 ‘Don’t’ for business leaders.
Dear Leader,
We, at OneBarrow, are inspired by the work you’ve done in customer success.
In the current environment of a pandemic, there is an absence of trust in our political and economic systems. There is an absence of faith amongst each other and there is a rising fear due to uncertainty of survival. Now is the time that all business leaders take charge of the opportunity and responsibility to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.
This letter has 3 action requests for you: 2 ‘Dos’ and 1 ‘Don’t’. First, adopt a purpose. A 10-year growth study by Jim Stengel determined that purpose driven businesses who aim to improve the lives of their customers, outperform their competition and the market as a whole. Second, commit your business to create an inclusive environment that promotes equality, equity and sustainability. Your business has the power that can support social issues and communities you care about. And, as a business leader, you have the influence and tools to undertake the necessary actions. Third, do not wait to see what others are doing, take the lead.
DOs:
- Adopt a purpose
Roy Spence writes in his book ‘It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For – Why Every Extraordinary Business Is Driven by Purpose’ – “It’s your reason for being that goes beyond making money and it almost always results in making more money than you ever thought possible.”
Adopting a purpose in your business usually leads to higher employee engagement, less threatening competition, more loyal customers, and innovation. It’s the secret to developing a more fulfilling work life as well as a healthier bottom line.
Purpose doesn’t always mean saving the world. Simply put, purpose is a definitive statement about the difference you are trying to make in the world.
- Commit to create an inclusive environment
It is high time we realise that governments alone should not or can not or will not solve the problems facing us right now. Businesses, NGOs, civil societies must play a leadership role in forging a path forward. Businesses around the world can prove that profit can come with the pursuit of a higher purpose — that they hold the will and power to build an inclusive society. Doing that effectively will require listening to all those who are systemically disaffected, disenfranchised, marginalized and exploited by our current economic and social system that exist across rural and urban communities around the world.
You, as the leader for your business, need to make the case for social justice for all is inextricably tied to economic and environmental justice.
DON’T
- Do Not wait to see what other businesses are doing; LEAD THE WAY
To begin with, think about what matters to your business?- Is there a social purpose that you can resonate with? What is that purpose? How can your company contribute?
A starting place can be adopting a higher purpose, identifying how your company can contribute, and then making a public commitment to improving on those areas. We suggest holding yourself accountable and when you fall short, observe and understand your employee’s and customer’s perceptions. We can help you make a start and even track the progress of your social commitment. Let’s learn along the way so that others can follow your lead.
Your business has the power to rebuild a society worthy of people’s trust and prosperity.
Yours sincerely,
OneBarrow
Vidhi Sharma
Head, CSR – OneBarrow
