Force for Good
How to Bridge Employee Wellbeing vs. Business Growth.
by Dirk Beveridge
BEYOND GDP: THE HUMAN ASPECT OF SUCCESS
The GDP model, focusing on goods and services output, often overlooks the human cost – from increased divorce rates to the erosion of community bonds. This divergence brings to light an essential aspect of leadership: the responsibility to balance financial objectives with the psychological and social well-being of the community. Leaders are now called to redefine success, integrating economic prosperity with enhanced life quality for all stakeholders.
A LEADERSHIP EPIPHANY
A recent conversation with a Chief People Officer underscored this dilemma. They revealed that postpandemic, employees are grappling with life stressors and financial worries, reflecting a deep-seated unease. This sentiment is echoed across various industries, indicating a widespread need for a leadership overhaul. Presenting the GDP-well-being disparity to a CEO elicited a profound reaction: “This graph is so surprising in a bad way.” This moment marked a critical shift in perspective, recognizing the human costs of a productivity-driven approach.
Palmer Johnson Power Systems, a leader in the heavy-duty equipment industry, serves as a beacon for the Force For Good leadership model. Their vision, “To inspire growth, health, and well-being in our people and in the communities we serve,” underscores a commitment to holistic success. Adam Becker, Vice President of operations, champions a culture steeped in family values, work-life balance, and mutual respect. This ethos, aligning with Alden Mills’ “Unstoppable Teams,” lays the foundation for a resilient and engaged workforce.
Their 60% service technician utilization rate, a deliberate strategy, contrasts with the industry norm of maximizing output. This approach has yielded impressive results: higher employee satisfaction, reduced turnover, and enhanced innovation. It’s a clear testament to the power of prioritizing well-being alongside productivity.
THE LEADERSHIP IMPASSE
Traditional leadership models, centered on economic metrics, now face a critical impasse. While financial success is imperative, an exclusive focus on these metrics risks neglecting the human elements that sustain long-term organizational health. The workforce, the very engine of economic progress, requires a nurturing environment to thrive.
Force For Good leadership offers a transformative solution. It calls for a holistic approach, harmonizing economic success with the comprehensive well-being of employees. This model is grounded in positive psychology’s principles, advocating for a workplace culture that promotes positive relationships, engagement, accomplishment, and purpose.
To cultivate a flourishing work culture, leaders must adopt inclusive strategies that acknowledge and prioritize employee well-being. This involves fostering an environment where each individual feels genuinely valued, heard, and empowered. Moving beyond traditional success metrics, this more holistic view of organizational success considers employee flourishing as paramount to financial growth.
The undeniable link between economic growth and well-being necessitates a reevaluation of leadership models. Force For Good leadership presents a compelling solution, advocating for a balanced approach that nurtures both organizational success and employee well-being. In this era of heightened awareness of mental health and life quality, adopting this leadership style is not just ethical but strategically sound.
TAKE THE LEAP
As you stand at the crossroads of traditional success and the new paradigm of holistic prosperity, the choice is clear. Embrace the Force For Good leadership model – www.forceforgoodcompany.com – and become a trailblazer in a movement that redefines success. Begin with an internal audit of your organization’s leadership practices and well-being metrics. Engage in meaningful dialogues with your teams about their goals and challenges. Let’s shape a future where businesses thrive as sanctuaries of human flourishing and positive impact. Your journey to transformative leadership begins with a deliberate step – take it today.
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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 March/April 2024 issue of Industrial Supply magazine. Copyright 2024, Direct Business Media.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Kimball Midwest. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and Mike Marks, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
