Yes it’s true that the environment is a big political agenda with many businesses cashing in (or attempting to) on what their product or service can do for the environment.
And yes it’s good to see the consciousness of the consumer and business owners being more awakened in this regard….
Yet many businesses are unknowingly quite environmentally “toxic” and the toxicity stems from the attitudes and behaviors of the business owners; senior managers or even the board of directors.
See it’s well and good to care about the external environment however it’s as important to be concerned about the internal environment of the business and at even a more micro level the environment inside your head and heart.
For instance if you as a business owner carry around with you resentment, suspicion, distrust, anger, discontent then it will show in your attitudes and actions towards your “internal” customers (staff) and they in turn will reflect that to your paying customers and clients.
Yes it’s true – you as a business owner can be your own worst enemy.
The sad part is when you don’t recognise it and take corrective action.
If you continue to be poisonous in your relationships, attitudes and behaviors then you end up poisoning the “well from which you intend to drink”.
Now you may find the concepts of forgiveness and letting go somewhat foreign. If you do take it on faith that it’s in your own interest and the interest of your business to be more environmentally friendly – to yourself and your staff – so that your business will prosper.
Of course let’s not be naïve, there’s much more to running a good, solid profitable business than having the right “environment” for yourself, your staff and your customers. However all other things being equal, if we have two businesses that are the same apart from the attitude and behavior of the business owners and staff – I guarantee you that the business with the positive, non-toxic environment is doing considerably better financially then the other business.
What about your business –how would you rate it for its environmental friendliness (0 for totally poisoned through to 10 being we’ve arrived – can’t do anymore)?
How does your staff rate your business? (Go on do a straw poll and ask them I bet the two rating are different).
What will you do with the findings?
Will you be committed enough to take action to correct the shortcomings? Or will you display momentary fascination and then dismiss it as all too hard. (You do that to your detriment and definite loss of sales, profits and cash from your business)
If you find yourself saying what does it matter or perhaps having a negative reaction to conducting such a poll then its good indication that your business has issues that need to be dealt with.
If you’re reading this as an employee – do a poll among your colleagues – how would you rate the business that you work for on the toxicity scale (0-10 as outlined above)?
Go on take a good hard look and if you would rather have the business improve the perhaps it’s time for you to raise these issues through the appropriate channels in the business you work for.
Yes it’s a risk but it’s worth it – after all if your chain of command aren’t open to having a balanced, adult discussion concerning the health and ongoing prosperity of the business – then hello – they don’t deserve you – find some where else to work!
After all, you do have control of your destiny – you are not a slave.
Concluding thoughts…..are best articulated by the following two quotes:
“You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the spark in your eye, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters, they have fortitude, they have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress! With it, there is accomplishment. Without it, there are only alibis.” Henry Ford [Emphasis added by Paul Wright]
“Most people are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves. Therefore they remain bound to their circumstances.” James Allen
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This column was compiled by Paul Wright from excerpts originally published by Damien Parker, Publisher of the
subscription only Positive Business Newsletter & Information Service. The Right Team, Sales Strategists & Business Improvement
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