Sustainability in Business

How to Define Sustainability

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Are you trying to figure out how to define sustainability in business? Or are you just trying to find out the definition of sustainability, period? Well, Merriam-Webster.com will define sustainability as "able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed".  From that, we can deduct that the simple definition of sustainability, as it relates to business, is that you just want to stay in business. You want to be competitive and stick around in your chosen market, right? You want to make a go of it. You want to be successful! So if you're going to define sustainability as it relates to your business, then you're first going to have to clearly know what is sustainability.

An example of a definition of business sustainability is offered by the Financial Times Lexicon. They define sustainability like this: 

"Business sustainability is often defined as managing the triple bottom line - a process by which companies manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. These three impacts are sometimes referred to as profits, people and planet."

So that's the foundation of a sustainable business, according to one expert. And, obviously, there are many aspects of business sustainability that are under scrutiny as far as what works and what doesn't, and what business model is most efficient and most profitable. Here's a good example of somebody who's already put together spirituality and the triple bottom line: Maximizing the Triple Bottom Line Through Spiritual Leadership. You might also like to check out The Palgrave Handbook of Spirituality and Business. So there are some out there who understand the necessity for the connection between spirituality and sustainability. But we definitely need more leaders in that field.

Those leaders know how to define sustainability, as it refers to their business. But that's the old business model taught in colleges and universities in the past. Many who teach those prinicples have a PhD. I don't have a PhD. I don't have an extended education in business at all. I didn't go to college and learn how to run a sustainable business. I have only experience. But, as I've always said, experience outweighs education every time. Some may argue, but I'll stick to my guns on that one! I've been in the work force for nearly 45 years, and I've learned many a lesson in business. I've built a business and learned how to make it sustainable. I've run a business from every aspect and every level and, believe me, that's a great way to learn about business models and what works and what doesn't.

What is a Business Model?

There's a lot of talk and discussion today that raises a huge question: what is a business model? The answer, of course, is a sustainable business system that works; a business system that identifies a market and taps into a demographic that obtains a fair share of that market. And the goal, of course, is to be sustainable and profitable. So what business model should you choose? What's the most efficient system to follow?  

Well, that brings up what I believe is a very important, and much overlooked point: business principles. A business model must be based on principle - sound business principles. But here's something to consider; something that many, perhaps most, business owners overlook. Yes, it's important to consider the business model of economic interests, environmental interests, and social interests, as stated in the image of a business model above. But I believe it's time to start thinking outside the box.

Thinking Outside the Box

Many companies and corporations today are reaching out, trying to stretch the limits, trying to push the envelope; in essence, thinking outside the box. They're discovering that thinking outside the box can open up a whole new business model, where trying a new idea can morph into a wonderfully profitable business. "Thinking outside the box" has actually become quite the buzz word in business these days. Everybody wants to get on that wagon and ride it until the wheels fall off. And there's a whole lot to be said for that, and how effective and efficient it can be. 

However, in thinking outside the box, I believe there's one aspect that's been left out; one little thing that's actually a very big thing; one idea that could turn a failing business around. And it's something that you really have to think outside the box to connect with. Here's a word that I believe you don't hear in business often enough: spirituality. That's right! Spirituality! In business, you ask? Absolutely, I answer. Just think about it. How often is the word - or anything even close to it - used in the boardroom? How often does the CEO use anything even slightly resembling spirituality in any business discussions? 

Spirituality Brings Sustainable Development

When you're talking about business principles and sustainable development, the word spirituality rarely comes into play. But why not? There's probably an old school way of thinking that states that spirituality doesn't belong in business. You go to the office during the week; you go to church on Sunday. The two weren't connected in any way. But here's the thing: sustainable development in business would be so much more powerful and progressive -not to mention more humane - if the principles of spirituality were inducted into the mission statements and goals of every corporation and company across the globe. 

Just stop and think about that for a moment. Imagine it! Every business in the world - from the largest corporation to the smallest Mom and Pop business - indoctrinates spirituality as a foundation of their business principles. The world would definitely become a more peaceful thriving place - for everybody!

Management Styles

There are many management styles around the business world. Some work; some don't. My idea of a management style that works is one that's based on spirituality. In other words, a management style that looks for win/win situations, always searching for ways that profit the business without hurting anyone. Those are the decisions based on spirituality.

Here's my view of what the induction and injection of spirituality in business would look like. All decisions would be made based on love, not fear. Many companies these days make decisions based only on profit, and when they do that, they leave out the most powerful tool available to help guide the business in a positive direction - and that's love! 

When companies make decisions based on profit, their thinking is actually based on a foundation of fear. Greed is a fear-based quality. Decisions are made from a negative standpoint; e.g. It doesn't matter if our product isn't benefiting the consumer, as long as it's benefiting us. The decision is made because the company - or the person making that decision - is afraid. They're thinking from a foundation of fear. And that is Panic Management or, if you will, Negative Management - making decisions based on fear. And everyone knows that what you give, you get back. So why would you want to make a decision to do something that's going to bring more fear and negativity back to you? That's not one of the management styles I believe would benefit everyone in the long run.

One program that I believe would  benefit you in the long run would be one called The Noah Crew. Noah St John's programs create breakthrough performance that can turn your business around - from a fear management style to one that's more positive, using what he calls "afformations".  You can check out his program here.

What is Spirituality in Business?

In order to find out what spirituality in business actually is, first we'll have to define "spirit". Merriam-Webster.com defines spirit as "the force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy, and power". So then, a spiritual person is one who is aware of, and acts upon, his spirit - his life, energy and power.

Spirituality in business, then, would refer to the life, energy and power of that business. Now then, how many businesses can you name off the top of your head, who have mission statements and ethics relating to life, energy and power? The "power" part probably comes into play for many. And perhaps the "energy" part does, too (not including the actual energy companies). But life? Do businesses really think about having a life - and even further, a spiritual life? Probably not.

Now, of course, there are a few exceptions these days. And they're to be commended! Somebody was telling me the other day about a business owner who forces his entire staff to take a one-month vacation every year...with full pay! How would you feel if your employer did that for you? Another business owner lost his factory in a fire. He paid his entire staff full pay for the year it took him to rebuild the factory. In my opinion, that is injecting spirituality into business. It's showing that you care about and love the people who make your business work!

When you make that kind of decision, you're acting out of love, not fear. You're following that principle of life that everyone knows: The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. You can't state it any more clearly than that! That is a principle based on love, and when you base your business on that foundation, then the business will be solid and will always stand tall in the business community. Here are a few books which specialize in bringing spirituality into business.

Leadership in Business: What is a Successful Business Leader?

We've talked about sustainability in business and how management styles can affect that, but it all comes down to the leadership in business and how a successful business leader can make his mark in growing his company.

So what is a successful business leader? From my experience, I've discovered that the really successful business leader is one whose business has a foundation of love. That love reaches out to every aspect of his company and his success proves the power of love and spirituality in business. One of my favorite successful business leaders is Brian Tracy - one of the world's most sought-after leaders in personal and professional development. His famous "Kiss That Frog" book has helped many people turn their negatives into positives, both in their personal and business lives.

There are many more programs to help you make that progressive and powerful step towards a more sustainable business. If you're ready to move your business from fear to love, you can take that spiritual journey yourself - just Click Here! 

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