Leadership Redefined: Expanding the Definition of Profit
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Bread for the Journey
– Nutritional
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Leadership IS Influence: Let’s Not Make It More Complicated
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Hugh’s Recipe of the Month
Page 33 Effective Teams and the Spiritual Power of the Enneagram
SynerVision Leadership Foundation provides a pathway of enlightened engagement for organizations seeking transformation. SVLF helps nonprofits seeking ways to serve well and respond to the tide of global change who feel lost and uncertain, battered and dispirited. These seekers look with dismay at the unproductive previous attempts they have made at organizational change and improvement. Consultants, seminars, and books have promised much to these searching communities and delivered little more than reworked methods from times now long past. Indeed, we are in a time when methods and manuals, quick fixes and weekend seminars do not provide lasting transformation.
T ’ S I N S I
Nonprofit Exchange Page 7 Leadership Redefined: Expanding the Definition of Profit Page 8 BreadfortheJourney –Nutritional Page11 Leadership IS Influence: Let’s Not Make It More Complicated Page 12 Effective Teams and the Spiritual Power of the Enneagram Page 16
Decentering International Actors and Empowering Refugee-Led Solutions Page 9
WOW!IsOctoberabusymonth!
NotonlyisitNationalBreastCancerAwarenessMonth,butthereareallsortsof dedicateddaysthatimpacthealthandwellness.There’sInternationalNonViolenceDayonthe2nd,WorldMeningitisDayonthe4th,WorldCerebralPalsy Dayonthe6th,NationalChildHealthDayonthe7th,InternationalDyslexiaDay onthe8th,WorldMentalHealthDayonthe10th,WorldArthritisDayANDWorld HospiceandPalliativeCareDayonthe12th,NationalBreastCancerAwareness Dayonthe13th,NationalPregnancyandInfantLossRemembranceDayonthe 15th,WorldSpineDayonthe17th,NationalMammographyDayAND World MenopauseDayonthe18th,WorldOsteoporosisDayonthe20th,WorldPolio Dayonthe24th,WorldPsoriasisDayANDWorldStrokeDayonthe29th.
That’sawholelotofdayswherewomen’shealthiscenterstage,whichisgood.I lovewomen!Andthat’sallwellandgood,wewantwomentolivelongand healthylives.
ButusguyshaveourownregaliaofspecialdaysinOctober,ladies,you’renot theonlyspecialones.WorldAnimalDayonthe4th,NationalBadgerDayonthe 6th,InternationalBeerandPizzaDayonthe9th,NationalSausagePizzaDayon the11th,WearSomethingGawdyDayonthe17th,NationalSlothDayonthe 19th,National ReptileAwarenessDayonthe21st,NationalNutDayonthe22nd, andNationalMuleDayonthe26th.
ANDHughandIwehavesomespecialdaystoo! NationalCoffeeDayonthe1st, NationalFossilDayonthe16th,NationalCrocDay(asinCrocof_ )onthe 23rd,NationalCandyCornDayonthe29th,and,ofcourse,NationalHalloween Dayonthe31st;thedaywedon’tdressscary(well,atleastIdon’t).Enjoyand StayHealthyinandout!
Navigating the Generosity Crisis Deep Dives into Good Books
The Pax Romana creates a false peace by sacrificing others; the Pax Christi waits and works for true peace by sacrificing the false self of power, prestige, and possessions.
—Richard Rohr
by Hugh Ballou
Lifeisdividedintothreeterms–thatwhichwas,whichis,andwhichwillbe. Letuslearnfromthepasttoprofitbythepresent,andfromthepresent,tolive betterinthefuture.
–WilliamWordsworth
Here’swhatIfoundonlinewhenIaskedforadefinitionof“profit”: SimpleDefinitionofProfit
:togetanadvantageorbenefitfromsomething :tobeanadvantageto(someone):tohelp(someone) :toearnorgetmoneybyorfromsomething
AreYouFocusedonMoneyorResults?
Traditionally,leaders,especiallysocialentrepreneursrunningabusiness,charity,or religious institution, are driven by passion and purpose. Many want to “save the dolphins” without building an infrastructure to accomplish their worthy mission… that’sfocusingonpassion.
Many entrepreneurs are in business to achieve financial gain…that’s focusing on money.
Successful leaders have a balanced approach to success. They provide value to othersandreceiveincomeasaresultofthevaluegiven. Lookingthroughthislensofbalanceallowsaleadertoreviewtheclassics,suchas Napoleon Hill’s “ThinkandGrowRich” and learn something very different…it’s not aboutmoney.EvenHillstatedthatfinancialwealthisatthebottomofhislistofthe attributesofwealth,becauseitwastheleastimportantofthetraits.
InJamesAllen’sclassic,“AsaManThinketh,”henotedthatwedon’tattractwhatwe need,weattractwhatweare.
Howdoyoudefinesuccess? Doesyourteamreflectyourphilosophy? Yourcultureisareflectionofyourleadership. It’stimetodosomethingdifferent.
by David J Dunworth
Toachievetruerefugeeparticipationandeconomicsustainability,internationalhumanitarian organizationsmustdecenterthemselves.Thisdoesn’tmeanthatinternationalactorsnolonger havearoletoplay;itmeansthattheirrolemustshift.Insteadofdictatingthetermsofaidand development,internationalorganizationsmuststepbackandallowrefugee-ledapproachesto takethelead.
Localrefugee-ledorganizationsunderstandtheneedsoftheircommunitiesbetterthananyone. Theyareontheground,facingtherealitiesofdisplacementdaily.Yettheyareoftensidelinedin favoroflarger,internationalNGOsthatcomewiththeirownagendasandframeworks, frameworksthatareoftendisconnectedfromlocalrealities.Thisneedstochange.
Ifhumanitarianorganizationstrulywanttosupportrefugees,theymustinvestintheselocal leaders providingthemwiththeresources,training,andplatformstheyneedtosucceed.Thisis notjustaboutequity;itisabouteffectiveness.Refugee-ledinitiativesaremorelikelytobe culturallyrelevant,sustainable,andimpactfulbecausetheyaredesignedbytheverypeoplethey aimtohelp.
The current system is not just flawed; it is failing.Itisfailingtoproviderefugeeswiththe dignityofwork,thehopeofself-reliance,and theopportunitytobuildabetterfuture.
The solution is not more handouts. It is the creation of economic opportunities that enable refugees to stand on their own two feet.
We must ask ourselves: what kind of future are we building for these displaced communities? Are we content with a system thatkeepsthemdependentonaid,orwillwe work toward a future where they are empoweredtorebuildtheirlives?
Humanitarian organizations need to stop perpetuatingthecolonialstructuresthatkeep refugees in a state of dependency. Instead, they must embrace a new model one that prioritizes economic opportunities, job creation, and refugee-led initiatives. The future of refugee assistance should be about empowerment,notcharity.
To the humanitarian sector, I say this: it is timetorethinkhowwedeliveraid.Itistimeto give refugees not just the means to survive, but the means to thrive. This is not just an urgentplea;itisamoralimperative.
by Hugh Ballou
Changetheword“music”toleadership…tonutrition…toanythingyouchoose.It’sstilltrue. Ihavelearnedaboutnutritionfrommanypeople.Manypeoplespendtheirtimelearningabout nutritionandhealth.OnSaturdaymornings,IlistentoThePeople’sPharmacyonmylocalNPR radiostation.Ilearnamassiveamountofstuffeveryweek.Here’sthelinktotheirsite: http://www.peoplespharmacy.comYoucangetpodcastsoftheirprogramsforfree.Whywouldn’t youwanttolistentoaprogramwhereexpertssharethelatestknowledgeaboutnutritionand health?
Leadersarehealthyandeatwithcarebecausetheyknowthattheirdietwillimpacttheirabilityto performsoonerorlater.
WaynePickering,theMangoMan,hasinfluencedmythinkingrecently.Ihavealwaysbeenaware ofhowfoodchoicesimpactmybody.Ineverknewhowfoodcombinationsimpactedmy digestion and overall health. Wayne has several web sites. Here’s one to check out: http://mangomandiet.com/.
AnarticleinPsychologyTodaydiscusseshowfoodaffectsourbrain.Almosteverythingyou choosetoconsumewilldirectlyorindirectlyaffectyourbrain.Obviously,somethingswe consumeaffectusmorethanothers.ReadthearticleHERE.
Ifweknowthatahealthydiethelpsusfunctionatahigherlever,thenwhydoweeatthingsthat compromiseourfunctioning?
TransformationalLeadershipismovingourfunctioningtothehighestlevel. Whydon’twedoit?
by Hugh Ballou
Weconfuseauthoritywithinfluence,wheninfact,wemustinfluenceotherstobe perceivedasaleader.
Ifyouractionsinspireotherstodreammore,learnmore, domoreandbecomemore,youarealeader.
–JohnQuincyAdams
EnvisiontheFuture
Everybodyhasadream.Only3outofevery 100peoplewillactuallydosomethingabout that dream by acting on the vision. Unfortunately,9outof10peopleattempting to launch a new enterprise, whether a business or a charity, will fail without achievingthatdream.
What’sthedifference?It’shavingaplanand surroundingyourselfwithacompetentteam toimplementthatplan.Thefirstpriority, however is equipping yourself for the journey. Develop your skills to lead, implementtheplan,andbuildtheright team And,bytheway,equipyourselfto buildtheincomethatyoudeservewiththis enterprise
Ihavebeengluedtothetelevisionevery nightfortheRio2016Olympicsandhave been massively impressed with our Americanathletes!Theyarehighlyskilled, masterfullytrained,andconsequentlyhighly successful Eachsuccessfulathletehasa verycompetentcoach.
Thisisthesameforprofessionalathletes,actors, musicians,andbusinessprofessionals.Theyall haveacoachandtrainforsuccess.Wewould neverconsiderrunninga26.2milemarathon withouttrainingourbodiesandmindsforthe task.Thenwhydoweevenconsiderstartingand runningabusinessorcharitywithouthavinga coachandacontentspecialistmentor?That’s whyover90%fail…theylacktheabilitytolead theenterprise,asdefinedintheD&Bresearchin 1995.
There’sanalternative.Ihavecoaches,thereforeI dowhatIteach.
Leadingisinfluence.
by DJD
Leadership is often described as an art, blending experience, knowledge, and a certain intangible quality that sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest. This intangible quality is instinct —akindofsixthsensethat great leaders develop over time.
It's an almost intuitive understanding of when to act when to hold back, and whentopushforward.This instinct, honed through years of experience and countless decisions, becomes a leader’s most reliable guide, akin to a compass that points true north even in the most uncertainoftimes.
Instinctinleadershipislikethe compassthatanexploreruses tonavigateunchartedterritory. While maps provide broad strokes, the compass offers direction when the path is unclear. Similarly, in leadership,data,andanalysis provideessentialinformation, but it is instinct that often guidesthefinaldecision.This instinctisnotalwaysrootedin hardfacts;itissometimesagut
feeling, a deep-seated sense that a particular course of action is necessary, even when the full picture isn’t clear. Just as an explorer trusts the compass even when the terrain is unfamiliar, a leader trusts their instinct to navigate through the complexities of decisionmaking.
This instinct doesn’t come from nowhere. It is developed over time, shaped by a leader’s experiences—both their triumphs andtheirfailures. Every decision made, and everychallengefaced,adds to the leader’s internal compass, making it more refined and accurate. Early in their careers, leaders may rely heavily on data and analysis, but as they gainexperience,theybegin to trust their instincts more. They learn to recognize the subtle cues thatsignalwhenthetimeis right to act, even if those cues are not immediately obvioustoothers.
However, instinct alone is notenoughtolead
effectively. The best leaders understand that while their instincts are invaluable, they must be complementedbystrategic thinking and careful analysis. Thisiswherethemetaphor of the compass becomes particularlyapt.Acompass can point you in the right direction, but it doesn’t show you the obstacles that lie in your path. Similarly,aleader’sinstinct can guide them toward the right decision, but without the support of data and inputfromtheirteam,they may miss critical details that could affect the outcome.
Balancing instinct with analysis is what distinguishes great leaders. They trust their gut, but they also seek to validate their instincts with facts. Thisdoesn’tmeanthatthey second-guess themselves; rather, it means that they are thorough in their decision-makingprocess continuedonpage15
Theyusedatatoconfirmtheirdirectionandrelyontheirteamtoprovideinsightsand perspectivesthatmaynotbeimmediatelyapparent.Thisapproachensuresthattheirdecisions arenotonlytimelybutalsogroundedinreality.
Themetaphorofthecompasshighlightstheindispensableroleofinstinctinleadership.Justas anexplorerneedsacompasstofindtheirwayinunknownterritory,aleaderreliesontheir instinctstoguidethemthroughcomplex,high-stakesdecisions.Overtime,astheleader’s experiencegrows,theirinternalcompassbecomesmorefinelytuned,enablingthemtomake decisionswithgreaterconfidenceandaccuracyThisistheessenceofleadershipknowingwhen totrustyourinstinctswhentorelyondata,andhowtoblendthetwotonavigatethrough uncertaintyandcomplexity.
Inconclusion,leadershipisasmuchaboutinstinctasitisaboutknowledgeandexperience.The sixthsensethatgreatleadersdevelopovertimeisapowerfultoolthat,whenusedwisely,can leadtotimelyandimpactfuldecisions.Likeacompassguidinganexplorer,aleader’sinstinct pointsthemintherightdirection,evenwhenthepathaheadisunclear.Bybalancingthisinstinct withcarefulanalysisandstrategicthinking,leaderscannavigatetheirorganizationsthroughthe mostchallengingofcircumstances,ensuringtheyremainoncoursetowardsuccess.
by JosephBentonHowell,Ph.D.
AccordingtoTonyGambill,executivetrainerandcontributortoForbesmagazine,an effectiveleadershipteamhasfourprimaryresponsibilities:
1.provideastrategicdirection, 2.Alignresourcestofitthestrategicdirection
3.Solveproblemsofkeyissues,and 4.Livethevalues.
Numberfouriscrucialbecausetheotherthreeresponsibilitiescan'tbeaccomplishedsuccessfullywithoutit. Ateamthatlivesitsstatedcommonvaluesisalivingexampleofwhattheorganizationstandsfor.You've heardtheadage,"Don'ttellme,showme."Whenthisisappliedtheleaderandtheteamhaverespect, immensecredibility,andtrust.
Theleadershipteam'scorevaluesaretheheartofitscultureandtheorganization’sculture.Buthowissuch ahealthyculturecreated?ThisiswheretheEnneagramcomesin.TheEnneagramisanancienttoolforselfunderstandingandcontainspsychological,spiritual,andevenscientificknowledgebasedonnineessential energiesoftheuniverse.Asaprofessionalpsychologist,Iamamazedatthissystem'sspiritualdepthand psychologicallysoundprinciples,eventhoughitsoriginsareancient.
Inpracticalterms,theEnneagramhelpsusrealizeourvalues,strengths,higherself,innercapacities,selfinflictedtraps,unhealthyavoidances,andpathwaysofdisintegration.Also,itpointsustowardthespecific energiesthathelpusrealizeourfullestpotential.Ourhigherselfmakesthebestdecisionsandbestpractices ...
however,manyofusdonotexplorethecharacteristicsofourhigherself.Whenourvaluesand idealsareknown,ourtalentscanbeusedinthebestwayspossible.
If leaders and team members learn and apply the Enneagram to their lives, it can be an indispensabletoolinsolidifyingtheteam'scommonlyheldvalues.Ihaveworkedwithteamswho didn't have a common value structure or language in which to discuss their problems or direction.Theseteamswereineffective.However,whentaughttheEnneagram,theyarefamiliar withtheessentialvaluesofhumanitythathavestoodthetestoftime.Theyalsohaveapowerful understanding of how the ego unwittingly blocks access to our values and effective solutions. Perhaps the most critical benefit of having a working knowledge of the Enneagram is that it providesacross-cultural,non-sectarian,andapplicablelanguagefortheteam.
Some have used the Enneagram to classify people into personality types, and this is an introductory step. However, its original purpose is to develop conscious human beings who refusetosleepwalkthroughlife.DiscoveredandbroughttotheWestfromtheMiddleEastinthe lastcentury,ithasamuchmoreprofoundpurpose.Itasksustobecomeconsciousofthehigher self,whichforsomeistheirinnercoreofgoodness;forothers,itistheirmostdevelopedself;and forothers,itistheirdivinedepths.Italsorevealsthemostsignificantblocktoconnectingtoour higherselves.
ThoughtheEnneagramispracticalandcanbeappliedtoourdailylives,itisasacredinstrument because it penetrates our false self, known as our ego, and helps us harness human virtues, including humility, truthfulness, courage, and truthfulness. It powerfully allows us to re-inhabit ourchildhoodinnocence,creativity,spontaneity,vulnerability,andsimplicity.Itgivesusspecific ideasthatreturnustoaplacethatfeelslikehome.Theteamcanoperatelikeahealthyfamilyby communicatingandworkingfromtheseideas.
TheEnneagramisusedworldwideingovernments,educationalsystems,churches,non-profits, agencies, businesses, and organizations for system building, leadership training, organizational structuring, peace-making, mediation, community healing, and reconciliation. Imagine if your team members had a greater knowledge of their higher selves, hidden capacities, and blind spots.Whatwouldtheybeabletobringtothetable?Imagineiftheyknewthestrengthsoftheir fellowteammembersindefinitive,demonstrableways.Howwouldthatbringteaminteraction andcreativitytoanewlevel?
TheInstituteforConsciousBeing(theicb.org)islocatedonlineandinliveweekendintensives.We teachtheEnneagramtoindividualsandgroupsinspeakingengagementsandoffercertification.
JosephBentonHowell,Ph.D.,istheFounderofTheInstituteforConsciousBeing.Heisaclinical psychologistandspiritualteacher,earningdegreesfromTheUniversityofVirginiaandYale.He was a Fellow in Clinical Psychology at Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, and authored Becoming Conscious: the Enneagram's Forgotten Passageway and Know Your Soul, JourneyingwiththeEnneagram.
by Hugh Ballou
Theadvantagesofthesestrategicpartnershipsextendfarbeyondimmediatephilanthropic outcomes.Forbusinesses,engaginginsuchcollaborationscanenhancetheirreputation,drive innovation,andopennewmarkets.Forpublicsectororganizations,partneringwithprivate enterprisescanbringinmuch-neededresources,expertise,andefficiency,enablingthemtoscale theirimpact.Mostimportantly,forthecommunitiesserved,thesepartnershipsoffersustainable solutionsthataddressrootcausesratherthanmerelyalleviatingsymptoms.
However,forgingsuccessfulstrategicpartnershipsisnotwithoutitschallenges.Itrequiresa sharedvision,mutualtrust,andacommitmenttotransparencyandaccountability.Bothparties mustbewillingtoinvestintherelationshipandnavigatethecomplexitiesofdifferent organizationalculturesandobjectives.Christianleaders,withtheiremphasisonethicalconduct andrelationalleadership,canplayacrucialroleinbridgingthesegapsandfosteringa collaborativespirit.
TheshiftfromtraditionalCSRtostrategicpartnershipsrepresentsaprofoundtransformationin howbusinessesandpublicsectororganizationsapproachsocialimpact.Byworkingtogether, theycancreateinnovative,sustainablesolutionsthatsignificantlyimprovethelivesofthepoor andlessfortunate.Christianleadership,withitsfocusonstewardshipandservice,isinstrumental indrivingthischange,ensuringthatthesepartnershipsremaintruetotheirmissionofadvancing thecommongood.Aswemoveforward,wemustcontinuetoexploreandinvestinthesestrategic alliances,recognizingtheirpotentialtoredefinebothbusinessandphilanthropyforthe bettermentofsociety.
Spookyisthemoon’ssoftgleam, Ashadowcastinsilversheen, Therustlingleavesthatwhisperlow, Secretsonlyphantomsknow.
Spookyisthecreakingfloor, Thelingeringchillbehindthedoor, Anowl’scryinthedarkofnight, Adistantflickerofcandlelight.
Spookyisthewindinglane, Acobwebstrungacrossthepane, Abreathlesshush,afleetingsigh, Thehintofsomethingpassingby.
Spookyisthehauntedtree, Itsbranchesclawing,wildandfree, Thelaughterlostintwilight’sgrip, Theghostlywordsthatneverslip.
Spookyisthetaleoncetold, Ofrestlessspirits,youngandold, Ofwitches’spellsandbansheewails, Ofcursedlandsandmoonlittrails.
Spookyisthenight’sembrace, Theshiftingshapes,theunseenface, Thethrillthatstirswithinyourbones, Theechoofforgottenmoans.
SpookyistheHalloween, Themasks,themyths,thein-between, Anightwhendreams&shadowsblend, Whereeverypath’sajourney’send.
I'd rather live with a good question than a bad answer - Aryeh Frimer
By DJD
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has indeed played a pivotal role in shaping the way businessesinteractwithsociety. However,itsevolutionreflectsa complex interplay between corporate interests, societal expectations, and evolving globalchallenges.Tofullygrasp this transformation, it's crucial to understand the historical context, the drivers of change, and the emerging trends that are redefining the relationship betweenbusinessandsociety.
The concept of CSR can be traced back to the early 20th century when business magnates like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller engaged in philanthropy. These early effortswerelargelyrootedina paternalistic view of business, where wealth was seen as a moral obligation to support the welfare of the less fortunate.
However,thisapproachwas more about individual generosity than corporate strategy. Despite what historiansandsocialrealists haveuncoveredabouteachof thesecorporategiants,thefact remains that they had an impactful result on growing society’s realization that philanthropic endeavors are needed
Asindustriesexpandedandthe adverse effects of industrialization-suchas
pollutionandlaborexploitation became more apparent, a more structured approach to socialresponsibilityemerged.
By the mid-20th century, companiesbegantoadoptCSR practices as a response to publicpressureandregulatory requirements, seeking to mitigatenegativeimpactsand improvetheirpublicimage.
TheShiftTowardsStrategicCSR
Thelate20thandearly21st centuries witnessed a significant shift in the perceptionandimplementation ofCSR WhatovershadowedCSRefforts was, and still is, although diminishing is ESGEnvironment, Societal, and Governance.Whatbeganasa cryforshareholdervalueover socialneed,eventuallyledtoa morehuman-conscious-related effort.
This period saw the rise of strategicCSR,wherecompanies began integrating social and environmental considerations intotheirbusinessmodels,not justasperipheralactivitiesbut as core elements of their strategy. Thisevolutionwasdrivenby severalfactors:
Globalization and Transparency:Withthe
rise of the internet and social media, businesses have become more exposed to publicscrutiny.
·Global supply chains and multinationaloperationsmeant that companies had to be accountable not just to local communities but to a global audience.
The traditional shareholder-centric view of business was challenged by stakeholder theory, which posits that companies have responsibilities to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community at large. This broader view necessitated a more integrated approachtoCSR.
The United Nations' SDGs, established in 2015, provided a global framework for addressing critical social and environmental issues. Businesses were increasingly called upon to align their CSR initiatives with these goals, focusing on areas such as poverty alleviation, quality education,genderequality,and climateaction.
While traditional CSR activities like charitable donations and community engagementremainrelevant,thereisagrowingemphasisoncreatingsharedvalue andmakingameasurableimpact.Thisshiftisevidentinseveralemergingtrends:
CorporatePurposeandESGIntegration:Companiesareredefiningtheirpurpose beyondprofittoincludesocialandenvironmentalimpact.Environmental,Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming integral to business decisionmaking, influencing everything from investment strategies to supply chain management.However,theESGfocuswasnowherenearenough.
Impact Measurement and Reporting: There is an increasing demand for transparencyandaccountabilityinCSR.Companiesareadoptingframeworkslike theGlobalReportingInitiative(GRI)andtheSustainabilityAccountingStandards Board (SASB) to measure and report on their social and environmental performance.
InclusiveBusinessModels: Businessesareexploring newmodelsthatintegrate underservedcommunitiesintotheirvaluechainsasproducers,employees,and customers. This approach not only fosters social inclusion but also drives businessgrowthandinnovation.
CircularEconomyandClimateAction:Withgrowingawarenessofenvironmental sustainability,companiesareadoptingcirculareconomyprinciples,focusingon reducingwaste,promotingrecycling,andenhancingresourceefficiency.Climate action has become a critical component of CSR, with companies setting ambitioustargetsforcarbonneutralityandrenewableenergyadoption.
TheFutureofCSR:BeyondCompliancetoAuthenticEngagement
The future of CSR lies in moving beyond compliance and brand enhancement towards authentic engagement and systemic change. This requires a fundamental shiftinhowbusinessesperceivetheirroleinsociety.Companiesmustembedsocial and environmental considerations into their core strategies, decision-making processes,andcorporateculture.Thistransformativeapproach,oftenreferredtoas Corporate Social Innovation (CSI), emphasizes collaboration with governments, NGOs,andcommunitiestoco-createsolutionsforcomplexsocialchallenges.
Ultimately,theevolutionofCSRreflectsagrowingrecognitionthatbusinesssuccess andsocietalwell-beingareinextricablylinked.Asglobalchallengessuchasclimate change,inequality,andresourcescarcityintensify,theneedforbusinessestoactas responsibleandproactiveagentsofchangewillonlybecomemoreurgent.
ThecomprehensiveunderstandingofCSR'sevolutionnotonlyprovidesinsightsinto pastandpresenttrendsbutalsounderscorestheimperativeforbusinessestoplay apivotalroleinbuildingamoresustainableandinclusivefuture.
by DJD
Developingacomprehensivestrategyandtacticsplatformforwritingasthoughtleadership, especiallywiththegoalsoffinding,framing,andfleshingoutideas,involvesastructured approachHere’sadetailedguidetohelpyouthroughthisprocess:
Objective:Discoveringrelevantandimpactfultopics.
Tactics:
TrendAnalysis:Monitorindustrytrends,news,andemergingtechnologies.Usetoolslike GoogleTrends,Feedly,andindustry-specificjournalstostayupdated.
AudienceInsights:Understandyouraudience’sneeds,painpoints,andinterests.Engagewith themthroughsurveys,socialmediainteractions,andcommunityforums.
CompetitiveResearch:Analyzewhatotherthoughtleadersinyourdomainarediscussing Identifygapsandopportunitiesforuniqueperspectives
Networking:Participateinindustryevents,webinars,anddiscussions.Networkingcan providefreshideasandcollaborativeopportunities.
ToolsandResources:
Feedly:Foraggregatingnewsandtrends.
BuzzSumo:Tofindpopularcontentandinfluencersinyourniche.
LinkedIn:Forprofessionalnetworkingandtrendmonitoring.
Objective:Structuringyourideasandperspectiveseffectively.
Tactics:
DefineYourUniqueAngle:Whatuniqueperspectiveorexpertisedoyoubring?Ensureyour viewpointisclearanddistinctfromexistingcontent.
DevelopaContentOutline:Organizeyourthoughtsintoacoherentstructure.Startwitha strongintroduction,followedbykeypoints,supportingevidence,andacompelling conclusion
EstablishCredibility:Usedata,researchstudies,caseexamples,andquotesfromreputable sourcestosupportyourarguments.
CreateaContentCalendar:Planyourcontentscheduletoensureconsistencyandrelevance. Thishelpsinmaintainingasteadyflowofthoughtleadershipmaterial.
ToolsandResources:
TrelloorAsana:Forcontentplanningandorganization
Grammarly:Toensureclearandeffectivewriting
Evernote:Fornote-takingandorganizingideas.
Objective:Expandingandenrichingyourcontentwithdepthanddetail.
Tactics:
Storytelling:Usenarrativesandreal-lifeexamplestomakeyourcontentrelatableand engaging.
MultimediaIntegration:Enhanceyourwritingwithvisuals,infographics,videos,and podcasts.Thiscanmakeyourcontentmoredynamicandaccessible
PeerReview:SharedraftswithpeersormentorsforfeedbackConstructivecriticismcan significantlyimprovethequalityofyourcontent.
ContinuousLearning:Staycuriousandopentonewknowledge.Regularlyupdateyour contenttoreflectthelatestinsightsanddevelopments.
ToolsandResources:
Canva:Forcreatingvisualsandinfographics
Audacity:Forrecordingandeditingpodcasts
HemingwayEditor:Forrefiningandsimplifyingyourwriting.
Setcleargoalsandobjectivesforyourthoughtleadershipwriting. Identifykeytopicsandthemesalignedwithyourexpertiseandaudienceinterests.
Conductthoroughresearchonchosentopics. Brainstormanddocumentpotentialanglesanduniqueperspectives.
Developdetailedoutlinesforeachpieceofcontent. Writeinitialdrafts,focusingonclarityandcoherence. Integratemultimediaelementswhereappropriate.
Seekfeedbackfromtrustedpeersormentors. Reviseandrefinecontentbasedonfeedback.
Ensureallreferencesanddataareaccurateandproperlycited.
Publishcontentonrelevantplatforms(blog,LinkedIn,industrypublications) Promotethroughsocialmedia,emailnewsletters,andprofessionalnetworks. Engagewithyouraudiencebyrespondingtocommentsandparticipatingindiscussions.
Tracktheperformanceofyourcontentusinganalyticstools(GoogleAnalytics,LinkedIn Insights).
Evaluateengagementmetrics,suchasshares,comments,andtimespentonpage. Optimizefuturecontentbasedoninsightsgainedfromperformanceanalysis.
Consistency:Establisharegularpublishingscheduletokeepyouraudienceengaged. Adaptability:Bepreparedtopivotyourstrategybasedonchangingtrendsandaudience feedback.
Collaboration:Fosterpartnershipswithotherthoughtleadersandindustryexpertsto broadenyourreachandperspective.
ContinuousImprovement:Regularlyassesstheeffectivenessofyourstrategyandtactics.Be opentolearningandadaptingtoensureyourthoughtleadershipremainsimpactfuland relevant.
Byfollowingthiscomprehensivestrategyandtacticsplatform,you'llbeabletoeffectivelyfind, frame,andfleshoutyourthoughtleadershipwriting,positioningyourselfasacredibleand influentialvoiceinyourindustry.
Inmanyoftheworld'spoorestandconflict-riddennations,thecycleofhumanitarianaidhas becomea"humanitarianrelieftrap,"whereprolongedemergencyreliefeffortshaveledtoa dependencethatundermineslong-termdevelopmentandresilience.Thisphenomenonreflectsa globalchallengewhereaid,althoughlifesavingintheshortterm,hasinadvertentlyerodedtheselfsufficiencyoftheaffectedpopulationsovertime.Dependencyonunstablesolutionscripplesthe spirit,shutsdownthehope,anddepressesthelustforlifeitself.
Thecruxoftheissueliesintheapproachofhumanitarianorganizations,whichoftenbypasslocal governmentsandfailtoalignwithnationaldevelopmentpriorities.Theresultisaperpetuationof dependency,withbillionsofdollarsfunneledintotemporaryreliefratherthansustainable development.Thisdependencyisparticularlyevidentinthedisplacementcampswheremillions liveinappallingconditions,strippedofdignityandtheopportunitytorebuildtheirlives.
Tobreakthiscycle,thereisagrowingcallforaparadigmshiftintheglobalhumanitarianstrategy
Thefocusshouldtransitionfromshort-termrelieftolong-termresiliencebyinvestingin infrastructure,livelihoods,andclimateadaptationthroughlocalgovernancestructures.Thisnew approachemphasizesbuildingresilientcommunitiesandsustainableinfrastructureovershorttermreliefefforts.
Insteadofmerelyaddressingimmediateneeds,thefocusisoncreatingtheconditionsforlasting economicgrowth,improvedlivelihoods,andstrongerlocalgovernance.
However, this shift is not without risks. In regions where corruption and mismanagement are rampant,thereisalegitimateconcernthatredirectingfundstogovernmentcofferscouldleadto "unimaginablesuffering"ifnotmanagedwithstringentoversightandaccountability.
Despitethesechallenges,theurgencyforchangeisclear.Thecurrentmodelofhumanitarianaid, driven by emergency responses, is unsustainable and continues to drain resources without addressingtherootcausesofvulnerability.Instead,amoreintegratedapproachisneeded one thatempowerslocalgovernments,buildsresilientcommunities,andultimatelyreducestheneed forperpetualhumanitarianinterventions.
The global community must recognize that true development and stability in these nations can only be achieved by transforming the humanitarian aid system into one that supports and strengthenslocalcapacities.Thismeansreorientingprioritiestowardssustainabledevelopment, ensuring that international aid efforts are coordinated with national strategies, and fostering greater accountability on all sides. Only then can we hope to see a future where the cycle of dependency is broken, and the most vulnerable populations can thrive with dignity and selfreliance.
Intheworld’smost vulnerableregions,the traditionalmodelof humanitarianaidis undergoingacritical transformation.Fordecades, emergencyreliefeffortshave beenthecornerstoneof internationalsupportfor countriesravagedbyconflict,
naturaldisasters,andchronicpoverty.Whilethisaidhassavedcountlesslives,ithasalsocreated acycleofdependencythatundermineslong-termstabilityandself-sufficiency.
Recognizing this, there is a growing consensus among global leaders, economists, and humanitarian organizations that a shift towards humanitarian economic development is essential.
Humanitarianeconomicdevelopmentinvolvesredirectingresourcestowardsinvestmentsin criticalsectorssuchasagriculture,education,healthcare,andinfrastructure.Theseinvestments notonlymeettheimmediateneedsofaffectedpopulationsbutalsolaythegroundworkforfuture prosperity.Byempoweringlocalcommunitiesandgovernments,thisapproachfostersselfrelianceandreducestheneedforcontinuousexternalassistance.
Oneofthekeyprinciplesofthisshiftistheintegrationofhumanitarianaidwithdevelopment goals.Ratherthanoperatinginsilos,reliefeffortsarebeingcoordinatedwithlong-termstrategies thatprioritizeresilienceandeconomicempowerment.Thismeansthatinternationalaidis increasinglybeingusedtosupportlocaleconomies,createjobs,andbuildinstitutionsthatcan withstandfuturecrises.
Theshiftfromaidtohumanitarianeconomicdevelopmentisnotwithoutchallenges.Corruption, weakgovernance,andongoingconflictscanhinderprogress.However,withcarefulplanning, transparency,andinternationalcooperation,thisnewapproachholdsthepotentialtobreakthe cycleofdependencyandcreateamoresustainablefuturefortheworld’smostvulnerable populations.
Inthelongrun,thesuccessofhumanitarianeconomicdevelopmentwillbemeasurednotjustby thenumberoflivessaved,butbythenumberoflivestransformed.Byfocusingonlong-term solutionsratherthanshort-termfixes,thisshiftrepresentsamoreholisticandsustainable approachtoaddressingglobalhumanitariancrises.
When we are hurt, we want to hurt back. This is our ego’s natural defense mechanism. Through prayer and contemplation, we change
from the inside—from a power position to the position of vulnerability and solidarity, which gradually changes everything.
—Richard Rohr
November is Native American Heritage Month, So we’ll celebrate early!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Dry White Wine 1. Pasta (I prefer bow tie)
2. Kosher Salt
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4.
5.
Fresh veggies including red onion, carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes and garlic
6.
2 Ts fresh herbs: oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley
7.
2 cloves Garlic
8.
2 Tbs Lemon Juice
2 Tbs Chopped Parsley 9. 1/2 cup Shredded Parmigiano
10. Pour yourself a glass of wine to drink. 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, then cook pasta 2. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the veggies in a large skillet using the olive oil: 3. Start with the onion and carrots, then add the other veggies, and add the tomatoes and minced garlic last.
4. Stir in the wet pasta and parmigiano then add the chopped parsley and lemon.
5. Add extra pasta water if needed.
6. Serve and enjoy with some garlic bread and more dry white wine.. 7.
Use any type of pasta that you prefer. Consider adding shrimp if you want protein and peas, asparagus, eggplant, cauliflower, spinach, or green beans if you want more veggies.
Pasta primavera is a simple dish made with pasta and fresh vegetables and there are many variables. Experiment with your favorite ingredients.
