Friday reflection
The way the world is moving
Hi there,
Sometimes I feel like a telephone operator. From my perch as a story coach to amazing women leaders, I have the privilege to be exposed to conversations happening across industries, and be able to listen across those conversations for common themes.
Lately, the theme that keeps popping up has something to do with the last gasp of the old world order, and the inevitable forward surge of a new, more human paradigm for business. I know that’s abstract, so let me offer some examples, all from the mouths of clients and colleagues:
Old world order:ROI is only about dollars and cents
New emerging paradigm: “Just because something is difficult to measure doesn’t mean there’s no return. The ROI of experiences that make your people feel more connected and cared for is so vast, it may as well be incalculable. Businesses are made up of humans, and humans need connection. Great leaders never lose sight of that, no matter how the economic winds may change.”
- Emilie Zanger, Adobe
Old world order:If we hire more women or people of color, then we can cross “diversity”off our list
New emerging paradigm: “The most diverse tech pipeline in the world won’t ultimately make a difference if the women who make it into tech are held back by organizational cultures that, consciously or not, incentivize their silence.”
- Judith Spitz, Break Through Tech
Old world order:We better do an employee volunteer day or something to show that we give back
New emerging paradigm: “The current generation of young talent isn’t satisfied with companies that only gesture at making their communities better places. In fact, the majority of employees say they wouldn’t work for a company without a strong purpose, and would be willing to take a pay cut to work somewhere truly purpose-driven.”
- Beth Bengston, Working for Women
In that same article, Beth goes on to say,
At the 2019 Business Roundtable, members redefined what it means to be a corporation for the first time since the group’s founding. In the past, a corporation was defined as a group focused solely on maximizing shareholder profits. Now, a corporation’s stakeholders are defined to include shareholders, the environment, society, and employees. This new definition rolled out just before a global pandemic that sparked a major reconsideration of so many aspects of how we live and work. It’s not a surprise that many businesses know they need to change, but are unsure of the roadmap.
Progress is never a straight line, but I have no doubt we’re evolving into a new world order where purpose, connection, and equity are recognized as just as important to a business as revenue and good PR. Younger generations will accept no less.
Old world order: Work ceaselessly and expect the same of others
New emerging paradigm: This, in your email signature: “A Self Care Note: Your workday/hours may not be the same as mine, so please don't feel obligated to respond outside of your normal working hours.”
How will you use your voice to accelerate progress, everywhere from your email signature to LinkedIn?
It can be scary to be the one in the room who says, “I think we should be thinking about ROI beyond financials,” or, “I don’t think we’re doing enough to support the women of color on our staff.” But in fact, our ability to see the new world order is a gift. An asset. As the amazing Cindy Gallop has said, women challenge the status quo because we are never it.
Expressing our different ideas and experiences and perspectives is essential to letting the old world order die. Christine Taylor tells a lovely story about this:
Last year, I missed out on participating in a mom’s gift exchange in my neighborhood and felt bad. I’d just moved here and participation is one of my three golden rules for making friends.
This year, I saw the deadline. I was aware of the deadline and chose not to sign up. Why? For one thing, apparently the ladies in my neighborhood feel like $40 is limiting for a secret Santa budget. I saw the lovely pictures women shared of what they received and knew I wouldn’t want to buy those kinds of things, there was a lot of “art” with Mom wine jokes.
The kind of thing Christine would not want to receive at a gift exchange
Instead, the thing that made me happy was thinking about how to disrupt this exchange. What if I signed up and asked for a donation to the Food Bank? What if I gave a donation to the Food Bank as a gift along with a handmade zipper bag?
I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to rock the boat. I didn’t want to upset people. I didn’t want to make anyone feel less about their way of celebrating and getting to know each other.
But what if my difference isn’t a critique? What if it’s an example? What if it’s welcome? What if I could change the tide? What if next year, instead of a gift exchange, the moms decided to do a fundraiser and spend some time together. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to get to know each other? Wouldn’t it have more meaning and depth?
My difference could have made a difference. My perspective might have broadened others’ perspectives. It might have resulted in one donation to the Food Bank.
Remember: You are a mighty force.
Let’s get loud and usher in the new world order, together.
Amanda