Why bother being the “good guy”?

Everybody wants to have a great company and a great life.

I’m fortunate to work with a number of inspiring business leaders, but it’s easy for them to lose their spark under the day-to-day pressure. No matter what your story is, you still have to make sure that nitty-gritty stuff gets done.

Paying the bills. Filing taxes. Paying your workers.

So the question is: Why shouldn’t I just focus on getting the work done, and avoid all that “mission” and “purpose” and “values” stuff? What is it getting me?

Actually, it’s probably giving you more business value than you give it credit for.

• Your employees are inspired to be more productive when they believe that they’re doing something important and meaningful. They’re more loyal as well.
• Your marketing has more attractive power when it’s based on authenticity and something your customers are inspired about. This DOES affect their purchase decisions.
• Your partners care more about your success when they see the deeper alignment between their interests and yours. Especially when you’re achieving something powerful together.

There’s just one catch to this, though. A big one.

In an age of such transparency, it really doesn’t so matter that you say wonderful and inspiring things. Well, that opens the door, I guess, but you ACTIONS count for 100 times more.

Yes, strive to be the “good guy.” That starts the conversation.

But then align you actions with your words. That will drive business results.

Does it guarantee success? No, sorry. You still have to run your business well. Create the right business model. Build a great team. Pay attention to money and inventory and all that grunge work.

But striving to be the “good guy” will differentiate you in a way that’s hard to match.

This article was first published in InnovatioNews.