I have been writing and talking about the merging of enterprise and social enterprise for a long time. Evolved enterprises, firms of endearment, combined with doughnut economics or Buddhist economics, with social capital as a business tool, and a focus on longevity and legacy.
Irrefutable logic
All compelling with irrefutable logic. Movement-, legacy-, and purpose-driven companies are more productive, successful, innovative, resilient, adaptable, etc. Treating employees, customers, and communities creates exceptional financial results. An “enlightened” approach to business can create exceptional value. It makes no sense not to embrace those principles. But it rarely happens. I have been scratching my head for quite a while now.
Because short-termism, shareholder pressure, mission drift, and dysfunctional cultures gradually destroy the very foundations of long-term success.
Incorruptible
Eric Ries’ book Incorruptible offers a fascinating alternative. Build organisations where purpose, profit, culture and governance reinforce each other. Where the mission is structurally protected, not just printed on the wall. Think Patagonia, LEGO, IKEA, Mondragon, and companies designed to outlive their founders, executives, and investors.
Purpose as organisational infrastructure
The big idea? Stop treating purpose as a slogan. Start treating it as organisational architecture. A must-read for CEOs, founders, and boards. You can find my blog here. I explore mission locks, spiritual holding companies, governance fortresses, trust, culture and the possibility of building organisations that remain exceptional for generations.
