Tuesday
Oct192010
The Common Good
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 9:00AM
Does altruism really exist? Are we egoistic or do we strive for the Common Good? The views differ but there seems to be a movement towards cooperation, a sign of hope as we try to rebuild the economy and strengthen education.
Photo by kevindooley Flickr CC
Douglas LaBier writes in the Huffington Post that:
The realization that more and more people wants to be a "good ancestor", passing on a good world to our children, makes it necessary to rethink economic theory. Until very recently the theory has been that people will act only in their immediate self-interest, but it seems to be a too limited model.
Pressure is building everywhere for sustainable living, for urban farming, less waste and concrete action to halt climate change.
Mr LaBier, goes on to say that:
Less people strive for classic management careers, it's more about having an impact and to contribute. This creates possibilities for new company cultures, built on coaching and cooperation instead of orders.
Delegation has always been difficult, but we now have to see it in a different light. A typical management model has been that top management delegates tasks and certain powers, through more or less formal procedures, down in the pyramid so that workers can produce needed goods. Now that we are producing more than we consume the pyramid is outdated.
Companies need to focus customer contact instead of steering workers on the factory floor. Since we now live in a socially networked world, customer contact happens on all levels, messages are like seeds that takes off on the wind and who knows where they will land.
The situation can not be controlled by force, the only possible model is an alignment of personal and company values, and goals. When leaders coach employees and volunteers into actions that are beneficial for both the company and the individual, we have the basis for a new model.
I suggest that we see companies not as pyramids of power, but as dandelions, each person a seed with the capacity to have great impact anywhere on the planet. To be able to act forcefully and aligned, each person needs support in building strong values, values for the common good.
Do you think it possible to align the will for doing good with the company need of making a profit? Have you seen any examples?
Photo by kevindooley Flickr CCDouglas LaBier writes in the Huffington Post that:
I'm referring to a broad evolution beyond values and actions that serve narrow self-interest, and towards those guided by inclusiveness -- supporting well-being, economic success, security, human rights and stewardship of resources for the benefit of all, rather than just for some.
Good Ancestors
The realization that more and more people wants to be a "good ancestor", passing on a good world to our children, makes it necessary to rethink economic theory. Until very recently the theory has been that people will act only in their immediate self-interest, but it seems to be a too limited model.
Pressure is building everywhere for sustainable living, for urban farming, less waste and concrete action to halt climate change.
New types of careers
Mr LaBier, goes on to say that:
...men and women increasingly want a "4.0 career": one that provides more than personal recognition, power and financial reward. They want meaningful work, opportunities for continued learning and growth, a positive management culture and a team-oriented, ethical environment. They want to have impact on something larger than just their own personal success...
Less people strive for classic management careers, it's more about having an impact and to contribute. This creates possibilities for new company cultures, built on coaching and cooperation instead of orders.
Need for a new type of delegation
Delegation has always been difficult, but we now have to see it in a different light. A typical management model has been that top management delegates tasks and certain powers, through more or less formal procedures, down in the pyramid so that workers can produce needed goods. Now that we are producing more than we consume the pyramid is outdated.
Companies need to focus customer contact instead of steering workers on the factory floor. Since we now live in a socially networked world, customer contact happens on all levels, messages are like seeds that takes off on the wind and who knows where they will land.
Aligned goals
The situation can not be controlled by force, the only possible model is an alignment of personal and company values, and goals. When leaders coach employees and volunteers into actions that are beneficial for both the company and the individual, we have the basis for a new model.
The Dandelion Model
I suggest that we see companies not as pyramids of power, but as dandelions, each person a seed with the capacity to have great impact anywhere on the planet. To be able to act forcefully and aligned, each person needs support in building strong values, values for the common good.
Do you think it possible to align the will for doing good with the company need of making a profit? Have you seen any examples?
Reader Comments (1)
[...] Value: Is the program aligned to the participants personal values? In earlier post I have talked about the value of working for the “Common Good”. [...]