3 Reasons to Pursue Social Responsibility

It’s an important, yet often forgotten, aspect of corporate success. It’s so important that some companies actually list it as part of their purpose or values. It’s a way of making the world a better place. I’m talking about social responsibility.

btw, if you’re interested in an event that will definitely make the world a better place, click here: Roll for Hope

Social responsibility is the idea that companies should strive to make the world a better place. Although it can include their products and services, social responsibility also means contributing to society’s welfare outside of those products and services.

The concept means everything from supporting charitable causes to delivering products and services that are environmentally friendly. No matter how you define it, you should look at how you fulfill your social responsibility.

I can think of three reasons you should pursue social responsibility.

The first is that it’s the right thing to do. We all share an obligation to make the world a better place, to treat people with dignity and respect, to help those who are less fortunate than we are.

Social responsibility is good for society and the world in general, and it’s good for us as individuals. It makes us feel good, when we do the right thing.

The second reason is perhaps more selfish. Social responsibility helps us get ourselves and our employees more engaged in our work, because it ties into a sense of purpose. We as leaders should emphasize purpose, and social responsibility is yet another “noble cause.”

Previous columns ( Leadership Unlimited columns ) address the importance of purpose, so here I’ll just say that people are more engaged when they see themselves, and the work they do, as contributing to something bigger than themselves.

That’s why your business, your part of the organization, even your team, needs to have a purpose that inspires people. So, social responsibility, making a significant contribution outside of the actual work, is another way of helping employees feel engaged.

The third reason is the most selfish, and will appeal to those of you who think the first two reasons are too touchy-feely: Social Responsibility can generate great publicity, which will help get your company message out. This publicity can generate lots of business.

I prefer the first two reasons, that social responsibility, such as contributing to charitable causes, is the right thing to do; and it helps us see the bigger picture, and is part of a Noble Purpose.

What will you do to promote the greater good for society and the world?

Don’t forget to check out Roll for Hope  It’s a great cause, and will be a ton of fun!

I'm always interested in your feedback, so let me know what you think.

Your Company's Voice: How Does It Sound?

Eugene has perhaps the most unique way of answering the phone.  It's not just what he says, it's also how he says it.  It's a military organization, although it's a mostly civilian part of the Army.  In your mind you can imagine Eugene jumping to attention, and snapping a salute as he barks, "Office of the Associate Director, how may I help you, SIR or MADAM!"

The words of his greeting never change.  Neither does the inflection, or the cadance.  And it's almost startling, at first.  But it exudes the professionalism of a military man, in a military organization.  Most important, you KNOW he really DOES want to help you in whatever way he can.

He is the voice of that organization.

It's not just his greeting on the phone that is captivating.  Talk to him a little more (as I did today), and you hear the upbeat voice of someone who never seems to have a bad day.  I'm pretty optimistic, but after talking to Eugene, my cup runneth over with optimism.  Eugene's just that sort of guy. 

(Note to self:  Whenever you're having a bad day, just call Eugene, and pretend you want to talk to the Associate Director.  You'll feel much better.)

Compare Eugene's greeting and demeanor to some of the other people you call.  Doctor's offices can be particularly bad.  The person sounds bored.  Or annoyed.  She mechanically mutters, "Drs. Smith, Smith, and Jones, the best in primary care, please hold."  Obamacare will only make it worse.

I've been hearing Eugene's voice, that professional demeanor, for several years now.  It's downright refreshing.  It's even better when I visit that office and get to see him.

Here's an experiment.  Call your office from a phone that won't tip them off thru caller ID who you are, and listen to the voice of your organization.  What is that voice saying?  How does it sound?

Let me know what you hear.