Since our son was diagnosed with autism, I’ve been blessed to speak to more than a thousand not-for-profit organizations. My message is essentially:
The world has changed. For now, at least in western society, greedy is no longer goody. (Sorry, Gordon.)
In this interconnected world where the emerging generation longs to marshal their forces towards some greater collective good, and where aging Boomers look for something new to occupy their time that makes them feel like they’re making a difference, your company needs to look and work and make sure that you’re contributing to more than your own self-interest.
What is your company doing to give back?
Today’s emerging generation is looking to see not only what you say but what you do.
They want to make sure that you share their values and interests in trying to make the world or your community a better place.
Don’t know where to start?
- Ask your children.
- Ask your employees.
- Ask your customers.
- Ask me.
Develop a program that measures and rewards the best places and plans to commit and make a difference.
Because of the way the world has shifted, Western society has swung from an inward focused, me-generation to an outward focused, we-generation.
In our lifetime there has never been a better time to do good works.
This may run contrary to what you would think given the state of our economy the past couple of years, but you would be mistaken.
If you deeply and passionately care about making a difference, it’s never been easier to connect with and utilize resources of other business owners and employees and volunteers to help you accomplish your mission.
Your company doesn’t need one of those giant check thingies or a grand spectacle. When you start to make a difference in your own community, people will know. It’s never been easier for people to find out.
Actions have never spoken louder.
Are you willing to do the work?
What are you prepared to do?
We’re waiting … and we’re watching.
(Photo Credit: Joe Schmitter)
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