Conscious Capitalism – is it a phase, a fad, a ploy, or an evolved way of doing business?
Before the name “conscious capitalism” caught the eye of the business establishment, some businesses were already doing the right thing – taking care of their customers, service providers, employees and communities. Doing the right thing meant being a constructive presence in the world – while making money.
As humanity and capitalism evolved, there came a desire to codify this “doing the right thing” concept. The Conscious Capitalism movement was formed to unite wholehearted leaders and spread the ideals for conscious business. Whole Foods, Patagonia, The Container Store, and Trader Joe’s are a few examples of today’s evolved businesses.
The Conscious Capitalism movement isn’t about environmentalism, social justice, social welfare, or philanthropy. It is a way of doing business that allows vital needs, such as these, to be addressed – in the course of building successful businesses!
Conscious Capitalism is a global movement driven by the belief that business conducted in accordance with a higher purpose (a cause that is inspiring and positively impactful) is the surest way to maximize the long-term value of businesses and make the world a better place.
That’s a bold and hopeful ideal!
Here’s the thing: Value is in the eye of the beholder. This movement is for people who can see beyond short-term profits and forego wealth-building as an end in itself. It’s for owners and leaders who are guided by a cause that is compelling and life-affirming.
I embraced the movement at first encounter, back in 2013. It was a natural affiliation, because the principles of Conscious Capitalism have been fundamental to my leadership and coaching philosophy for the past 30 years. I was so enthused at having found my tribe that I started the San Diego chapter of Conscious Capitalism, serving as Board Chairman for 6 years. I even adopted the movement's tagline as my business purpose: to elevate humanity through business!
Committing to the Conscious Capitalism principles provides a proven roadmap to success and fulfillment. See if these principles fit your way of doing business:
- Higher Purpose – a higher calling for a meaningful life
- Conscious Leadership – the behavior of leaders who embrace continuous growth and learning, and are guided by their higher purpose
- Conscious Culture – an organization characterized by unity of vision, mission and values, and function in a spirit of cooperation and positive impact
- Stakeholder Orientation – organizational commitment to win-win solutions in all stakeholder relationships
Conscious Capitalism provides community, education and a template for growing a business while doing good in the world. It also provides proof of the power of its principles, as demonstrated by companies such as Southwest Airlines, Costco and Starbucks. Hard to argue with the longevity and financial performance of these leading brands!
View the Conscious Capitalism Credo
We believe that business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence, and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity. Free enterprise capitalism is the most powerful system for social cooperation and human progress ever conceived. It is one of the most compelling ideas we humans have ever had. And we can aspire to even more.
Conscious Capitalism is a way of thinking about capitalism and business that better reflects where we are in the human journey, the state of our world today, and the innate potential of business to make a positive impact on the world. Conscious businesses are galvanized by higher purposes that serve, align, and integrate the interests of all their major stakeholders. Their higher state of consciousness makes visible to them the interdependencies that exist across all stakeholders, allowing them to discover and harvest synergies from situations that otherwise seem replete with trade-offs. They have conscious leaders who are driven by service to the company’s purpose, all the people the business touches, and the planet we all share together. Conscious businesses have trusting, authentic, innovative and caring cultures that make working there a source of both personal growth and professional fulfillment. They endeavor to create financial, intellectual, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, physical and ecological wealth for all their stakeholders.
Conscious businesses will help evolve our world so that billions of people can flourish, leading lives infused with passion, purpose, love and creativity; a world of freedom, harmony, prosperity, and compassion.
Many clients come to me feeling like they’re on a hamster wheel, running faster and faster without making much progress. Knowing and following their higher purpose, mission and core values unlocks their leadership and life potential. For 30 years I have been helping business leaders and owners build conscious practices. Explore how my programs might help you live your passion, reveal your purpose, and build a business to elevate humanity. Check out consciousness-raising programs and services.
