Profit and beating out the competition have traditionally been the “heart” of capitalism. Over time this kill-or-be-eaten mentality comes at the expense of too many jobs, careers, and even companies, as recent crises have demonstrated. Yet progressive leaders and organizations take a more benevolent approach. They understand the tremendous return on investment in treating employees, customers, and communities in a more careful, kind, and thoughtful way. Practicing capitalism with care means you must see yourself as a steward of something greater than quarterly net profits and rich rewards—that sooner or later your choices affect all of us.
Self-coaching questions
- In what ways are my actions in leading my organization creating negative consequences for others, either directly or indirectly?
- What strategic changes will align us better to target the intersection of a “greater good” and a positive return on investment?
- What can I do in the remainder of 2009 to treat my employees, customers, and community with greater care?
Note: Over 100 of these tips appear in my new book: Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book at the top of this blog for more information.
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