This is Patagonia’s mission statement.
It is also one of the key reasons for the success behind the multibillion dollar company. Rather than focusing on how to turn a profit, Patagonia recognises that their bottom line is directly tied to the quality of the work they produce. Not only are they a highly-profitable company as a result, but they are also successfully supporting the environment without ever compromsing customer experience and satisfaction. This just goes to show that money and power should not be the only yardsticks to measure the success of a business; the sustainability of an organisation is best predicted by the presence of an anchoring - and guiding - purpose.
The future of business
For us, the term professional correctness transcends prejudice-free work environments, marginalised communities and unequal opportunities. When we speak about professional correctness at work, we refer to the role of leadership in standing for something bigger than themselves.
From an organisational effectiveness point of view, nothing is more important than constructively using power to bring people closer together toward a common goal. This can only be achieved when leadership moves away from pursuing growth and shareholder value in isolation from inclusivity goals and the professional and personal development of those led.
The pathway to a more fair and honest society begins by creating more conscious companies. According to world-renowned organisational consultant, Simon Sinek, people don't buy what you do, but why you do it. In other words, when leadership successfully connects with their customers and employees based on shared beliefs, they build a solid foundation of followers whilst simultaneously improving bottom line outcomes. The companies that succeed in the long-term are those that stay true to their core values over the years to create a reputation that employees and customers are proud to associate with.
The clean energy investment firm, Sunwealth, is a prime example of this process. The innovative clean energy investment firm provides businesses and municipalities with access to affordable solar power – all the while delivering wide-reaching social and environmental impact. Sunwealth proves that when it comes to the business world, “purpose” cannot be an afterthought.
Purchasing Power demands Purpose
We live in an interconnected world. Our actions - in business and as individuals - affect the world profoundly. We need a radical shift to take our thinking away from power dynamics and money-driven motifs toward a more purposeful and community-driven society. The truth is, as long as you stand for something that has a nobility that others can buy into, your customers and your tribe will be right behind you. This is the future of professional correctness. This is the future of work.
So the question remains: how are you converTing profit into something meaningful for people and the planet?
