Last year (2014), we participated in a panel discussion in Washington, D.C. hosted by UDC. During the event, we shared the four principles of Conscious Capitalism. We explained how it is possible for a business to have a Higher Purpose and practice stakeholder integration while at the same time being highly successful.
Afterwards, we were invited to a reception hosted by the business school. We had a chance to meet and talk to many students. They were intrigued by the idea of Conscious Capitalism and the stories of businesses who practice it. Yet, the overriding theme of what we heard was this, “I loved your talk but it just seems like common sense.” Indeed. It is common sense. Common sense that is not very common.
What common sense measures are you missing? How would your business benefit by providing some additional service to one of your stakeholders?
As we have recommended many times, the following books are good primers on what Conscious Capitalism is all about. If you want something good to read this summer while learning about the “secret sauce” of Patagonia, Trader Joe’s and the Container Store, check them out…
