Many businesses, large and small, have a resource that can help them improve, innovate, and grow, and yet so many of these companies never think of using this amazing corporate asset.
What is this highly valuable asset? Its own people. Says Morgan Fraud, the author of The Thinking Corporation,
“Given that we are all capable of contributing new ideas, the question becomes how do you successfully generate, capture, process and implement ideas?”
Becoming an organization capable of answering this question can benefit in a number of ways.
Growth through innovation/creativity
Rather than be constrained by ideas for new products, services and new markets coming from just a few people, a Thinking Corporation can tap into the employees. This thinking becomes sharper and more market-oriented if the employees relate to the needs of the community. Lion’s service programs offer a wonderful opportunity for all to engage with the community.
Increased profits
The corporation will experience an increase in profit due to savings in operating costs as well as sales from new products, services and ventures. Studies have shown that commitment levels of employees rise if they realize that they are a part of a socially responsible organization. They believe there is a larger purpose for the work they do.
Higher business values
The link between profits and business value means that the moment a corporation creates a new sustainable level of profit, the business value is adjusted accordingly. There is a goodwill factor and a general appreciation by the civic leaders about the role played by a business entity. That helps mould the attitude of the local administration towards the entity concerned, and that does impact the inherent value of the business.
Lower staff turnover
This, combined with the culture that must exist for innovation and creativity to flourish, means that new employees will be attracted to the organization. There are enough studies that reveal the fact that staff attrition rate is much more rationalized in business entities that are socially more responsible. Staff members develop a sense of pride in belonging to an organization that cares for the people, for the communities.
Lions Clubs can work actively to create win-win situations where the businesses will realize that they are in fact benefitting by encouraging a service-oriented environment in their organization.
Healthy and vibrant Lions clubs will thrive if we can build an understanding with local business leaders by demonstrating how membership of lions clubs and participation in service activities adds value and vitality to their entities.
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