In a world that has seen Enron and WorldCom, corporate governance is enjoying a heightened news focus. And, as stories of respected auditing firms shredding evidence emerge, demands will grow for a new way of doing business. 'Soft' issues will become hard debate as corporations struggle to find better ways to do business. Perhaps love will show them the way?
Now I am not talking about the soppy stuff, although if you've ever felt that first flush you'll know it's not half bad. What I'm talking about is a love that respects and connects. A feeling and passion that sees management move from being involved, to become committed. A love that demands that industry becomes answerable to the people who matter to it the most. My definition of love is that it demands integrity, growth and challenges companies to become better than they already are. If you really love your business, your staff, your customers and your shareholders you'll never be able to pull the rug out from under them and still look them in the eye.
If you say I've gone soft, I'll reply that the love revolution has already begun. A recent issue of 'Fast Company' hailed love as the 'killer app'. In the headline story of the same issue Tim Sanders, Chief Solutions Officer of Yahoo, is quoted as saying: "if you want to fix your future, start by fixing yourself" and that "the road to prosperity is paved with a commitment to generosity." Then there's Kevin Roberts of Saatchi & Saatchi who has evolved branding to its natural loving evolution with 'lovemarks' (www.lovemarks.com). "If you're not in love with your business, why should your employees or customers be?" asks Roberts. "If you want to create a Lovemark, you've got to be passionately in love with your own business." A quick way of getting Lovemarks is figuring out why you just love some brands, while others hardly cause a heart flutter. Even Pepsico is getting in on the love connection. Ten years ago the head of Pepsico, Andy Pearson, was recognised as one of the toughest bosses in the business. In the old days Pearson's rule was one of fear and absolute devotion to the bottom line. Today he's reborn with a leadership style that's marked by humility and love.
Call me an eternal optimist, but I believe in love. I also believe that when you start getting what love is all about you can build better brands, better companies, and better people who live better lives. Yes I'm a huge softie but the rewards of understanding emmotional connections based on integrity, sharing, generosity and real commitment are huge. Love delivers returns way beyond expectations. Returns measured in value, honesty, wisdom, growth and connectedness. When you love your business and your customers, issues like privacy and trust are non-issues because they are part of doing business as usual. Choose the path of love and your business will be challenged and perhaps changed. But the returns will be huge and won't only be delivered to your customers or shareholders. The most surprising return will be the rewards your business will enjoy.
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