Force for Good
What it really looks like to put your people first.
by Dirk Beveridge
At the heart of every successful venture are its people. Amidst the hustle of daily operations and relentless pursuit of results, a fundamental element often remains overlooked: our workforce. This realization, enriched by my deep dive into positive psychology and human flourishing, and has culminated in a vision for the future of business leadership: the “Force For Good” leadership model.
Historically, leadership has evolved from (1) a “Controlling” approach, characterized by strict oversight and fear, to (2) “Managing,” focusing on maintaining the status quo. It then shifted to (3) “Visionary Leading” that involves setting a forward-looking vision and defining a strategic path. However, our research and experiences from the We Supply America tour indicate the emergence of a new, fourth style: Positive Leadership. This style transcends traditional models, focusing on a higher purpose and making a significant difference beyond mere financial gains.
THE URGENT NEED FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT
Our comprehensive Future of Distribution research revealed a striking disparity between current leadership practices and the anticipated needs of the future. A mere 6% of respondents believe that businesses currently exhibit this fourth style of leadership. Yet, looking ahead five years, a staggering 95% anticipate that success will hinge on embracing Visionary Leading and Positive Leadership styles.
This data underscores a clear and urgent call for a paradigm shift from traditional leadership approaches to those characterized by being a true Force For Good – leadership that is not only future-oriented but also deeply committed to the well-being and growth of every individual in the organization.
Positive Leadership is centered on fostering human flourishing. It’s about creating work cultures where employees thrive – not just survive. This approach benefits not only employees but leads to exponential organizational growth. It’s about harnessing the potential of every individual, transforming the workplace into a platform for personal and professional growth.
Real-life examples add credence to this approach. Leaders who have embraced this model report not only improved employee morale but also enhanced company performance. Their testimonies underscore the viability and effectiveness of Positive Leadership in today’s dynamic business environment.
CASE STUDY: PROSOURCE SUPPLY
Consider the case of ProSource Supply, which faced high employee turnover and burnout typical of the Great Resignation. CEO Drew Roberts and logistics manager Preston Pugh implemented a radical wage increase plan that reduced the need for excessive overtime, aiming to improve employees’ work-life balance.
This strategy involved increasing total wages by $300,000, a significant risk. Yet, the results were remarkable. Long-standing employees, on the brink of leaving, experienced life-changing benefits. The company’s most cherished driver, struggling to support triplets, was saved from quitting. Another employee, habituated to extensive overtime, found renewed happiness and balance in life.
Their story exemplifies the power of empathetic leadership and a genuine people-first approach in creating a sustainable and positive organizational culture.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the coming months, this column will delve deeper into the six domains of Positive Leadership integral to the Force For Good model, exploring how each can be cultivated within organizations. These domains will provide actionable insights and strategies to help you evolve from merely leading your business to embracing being a Force For Good.
THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
The future of business is unequivocally human. The Force For Good leadership model aligns with this reality, redefining not only leadership but also the essence of how businesses operate. The journey on the We Supply America tour has been more than a collection of miles and meetings; it’s been an expedition into the heart of what makes businesses thrive – their people.
Force For Good leadership is about harnessing this human potential to create organizations where people and profits flourish together. As we move forward, this approach will not only redefine leadership but also the very essence of how businesses operate. I invite you to join a community of forward-thinking leaders at www.forceforgoodinstitute.com. Embrace the Force For Good movement and be part of shaping a future where businesses are not just economically successful but are also bastions of positive human development and flourishing.
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Dirk Beveridge is the founder of UnleashWD, executive producer at We Supply America, president of the Beveridge Consulting Group, and champion for the noble calling of distribution for over 36 years. Read his new research report for more on how leadership is being redefined, and why it’s urgent to embrace the Noble Calling of leadership: Reimagining Leadership (https://unleashwd.com/fod-reimaginingleadership/).
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Industrial Supply magazine. Copyright 2024, Direct Business Media.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Joyce Lansdale and Vallen. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and David Kahle, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
