More and More (we are talking millions here) people all over the world are part of what Dianne Collins calls “The New Mainstream”, i.e. a “recognition that we are in a time of awakening to a new mindset, an expanded worldview and a higher-level consciousness for humanity” (Dianne Collins, Huffingtonpost, 13 November 2014). Frederic Laloux (Author of “Reinventing Organisations”, 2014) also feels that there is a general readiness amongst organisations for a new stage of evolution.
The New Mainstream is defined neither by generation nor by religious beliefs. It comes from a general revival that it is no longer sufficient for organisations to do well (i.e. grow financially), they have to do good (i.e. embrace and address societal challenges – be it sustainability, safety, environment, health, etc.)
According to research from Global Tolerance*, 68% of people think that institutions (private, public and NFP) all need to deliver more social and environmental change. Nearly 75% want to see more transparency and 81% more accountability.
It is argued that half of millennials (i.e. people born between 1981-1996) would choose purposeful work over a high salary (Global Tolerance). Two thirds want to work for a company that makes a difference to the world and 68% of people think that businesses, governments and non-profits all need to deliver more social and environmental change.
Where do business leaders stand in this conversation?
If we look at the Conference Board’s “CEO Challenge survey 2014”, the top 5 most critical challenges identified by business leaders (CEOs, presidents and chairmen) across the globe are in order of importance: (1)-Human Capital, (2)-Customer Relationships, (3)-Innovation, (4)-Corporate Brand & reputation and (5)-Operational Excellence.
However, sustainability appears in position n. 8 and Trust in business ranks 10th in the list of most important challenges identified by business leaders.
Are you surprised?
On the one hand, we shouldn’t be as capitalism has been chasing growth at any cost. On the other hand we should be both surprised and alerted as every day we read and hear about the decline of people’s trust in the corporate world and in the way leaders conduct their business. Lack of trust is particularly widespread amongst younger generations.
Poor levels of happiness amongst the millennials generation should appear on the agenda of business leaders as well as in the curriculum of leadership development programmes, as it’s these younger generations who will lead the future. So we, as practitioners and providers of leadership development solutions, also have a very important role to play in this dialogue.
What are the signs that thinking is changing?
Although it will take many years before we see “solving societal challenges” on the agenda of all business leaders, we are seeing a number of positive indicators:
- Conversations we have been having with leaders in the corporate world (e.g. Why, as a society, do we need leaders?”; “We need to take a broader perspective beyond the organisation which includes society and environment”; etc.)
- The kind of requests we are getting from our client organisations (Workshops on “creating responsible citizens who create community well-being”; initiatives which include field trips or projects in emerging countries to expose participants/learners to societal challenges”; “Working with local/regional facilitators/coaches to reduce our carbon footprint**”, etc).
- The transformation of organisations’ cultures i.e. refreshing and renewing as an organisation to respond to demographic/political/economic changes and challenges such as the boycotting of products, protest movements, lobbying from medias, etc.
- The increase number of non-profit start-up companies who are working with business, government and other organisations to solve complex sustainability challenges
- The rise in mindfulness workshops and offerings across institutions which can transform our lives and help adjust society, from health, work, and family to education.
Whilst the clock is ticking on climate change and societal issues, we think it’s important to be conscious of these positive indicators to find new energy for accelerating and intensifying our efforts. At the same time we can and have to do more.
The Conference board’s research indicates that there are five essential traits and behaviours that future leaders must exhibit to thrive in the fast changing business environment: integrity, leading change, managing complexity, entrepreneurial mind-set and retaining/developing talent. We would add a 6th trait to this list: “societal conscious” – i.e. having the vision and passion for solving societal challenges.
Have you noticed other signs that thinking is changing? Or on the other hand do you feel like we are not moving fast enough in addressing societal challenges? We would love to hear from you.
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*The Values Revolution: http://www.globaltolerance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/GT-Values-Revolution-Report.pdf
** Just one return flight from London to New York produces a greater carbon footprint than a whole year’s personal allowance needed to keep the climate safe (https://www.eta.co.uk/environmental-info/air-travels-impact-on-climate-change)
I would like to thank Dianne Collins (@diannecollins), creator of QuantumThink and Award-winning Author, for her insipiring article on “The Consciousness Crowd” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dianne-collins/theres-a-new-mainstream-o_b_6146988.html?utm_hp_ref=third-metric
