Few would argue with the assertion that business has become the most powerful man-made force on our planet.
However many would argue about the benefits business brings to the world.
Proponents proudly point to the incredible advances business has made in our standard of living. Critics point out the wide gap between the wealthiest and poorest among us, as well environmental damage stemming from both negligence and accident.
To me it is equally clear that business must become an agent of world benefit. I first heard that assertion while studying Appreciative Inquiry, and I immediately felt that must become part of my mission in life.
I truly appreciate the great good that is accomplished by many institutions. Everyday people do great things working in non-profits, non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies. However only business has the unparalleled resources and remarkable agility to effectively deal with the pace of change we find in our modern world.
After all, business exists at the pleasure of society, and society exists at the pleasure of the environment. When that natural order is honored, business, society and the environment thrives.
The leaders in business can show us the way. Ray Anderson, leader of the world's largest carpet manufacturer is such a way-shower as they climb the long mountain towards sustainability and a zero-emission carbon foot print. So are social entrepreneurs like Tom's Shoes and Warby Parker eyeglasses who donate a product to those in need for each product sold.
The research is now in.
Studies like those described in "Firms of Endearment" show that businesses that act as an agent of world benefit also benefit their bottom line. These firms are acting in accord with the natural order- serving society and caring for the environment.
My mission in life is to share these stories of success and inspire all businesses to become agents of world benefit. Businesses like these are clearly agents of the common good. They measure success by the quadruple bottom-line: people, planet, profits and purpose.
