For a few years now I’ve had the privilege of interacting with an overseas company that exemplifies the essence of doing business as a mission (BAM).
Purpose
This remarkable company employs hundreds of people with a defined purpose beyond profit: hiring individuals who would likely struggle to find employment elsewhere. Their most striking goal? To have 10% of their workforce be “hand-speaking” employees – members of the deaf community who communicate through sign language.
But their commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop there. They’re also the primary company recruiting from a 2-year program for autistic adults, actively working to integrate these individuals into their workforce. This clear sense of purpose aligns perfectly with Step 3 in the Succession Planning for Impact process: Define Your Impact.
In the world of Business as a Mission (BAM), success isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about transforming lives, communities, and fulfilling a higher purpose.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Measurements
When we don’t know the purpose of our business, we tend to measure the wrong things. Entrepreneurs who don’t understand the true purpose of their business often focus on quantity and neglect quality.
In a conversation recently, a business leader who has invested in entrepreneurs in 86 countries put it this way, “We measure what’s easy when we should be measuring what’s important.” Instead of exclusively measuring numbers, he suggests asking the question, “How is God at work at our company this week?”
While quantitative measurements are important for ensuring business viability, they don’t tell the whole story, especially for a BAM enterprise. Look at the difference:
Quantitative Measurements:
Number of employees
Percentage of deaf employees
Number of autistic employees hired
Revenue and profit figures
Qualitative Measurements:
Personal growth stories of employees
Impact on employees’ families and communities
Increased awareness and acceptance of deaf and autistic individuals in the workplace
Cultural shifts within the company and broader business community
The BAM Difference
This company’s approach exemplifies the core attributes of a true BAM enterprise:
Profitable and Sustainable: They aim for long-term profitability while maintaining their mission.
Kingdom Motivation and Purpose: Their goal to employ the deaf and autistic demonstrates a desire for positive community impact.
Continuous Learning and Development: By pioneering employment for these groups, they’re constantly learning and adapting their practices.
Implementing BAM Measurements in Your Business
How do you get started measuring what’s important and not just what’s easy?
Clearly define your purpose beyond profit.
Identify key quantitative metrics for business sustainability.
Develop qualitative metrics that align with your mission and purpose.
Regularly review both sets of metrics, giving equal importance to each.
Share stories and testimonials that highlight your qualitative impact: CELEBRATE!
As “Succession Planning for Impact” reminds us, “Beyond you and your family, your business impacts your employees, their families, your clients, your vendors, and your broader community. There is a lot riding on how well your business transitions!”
As we strive to create enterprises that bless communities and further God’s kingdom, let’s remember to measure what truly matters - the lives changed, the hope restored, and the love shared through our business endeavors.
In the case of our “hand-speaking” heroes, they’re not just running a successful business – they’re changing lives, reshaping communities, and setting a new standard for what it means to be a truly inclusive workplace.
I believe in you!
Harry T. Jones
P.S. Are you ready to take the next step in your succession planning journey? Join our exclusive Succession Planning Mastermind group. Email me at harryt@cultivatingimpact.biz with “mastermind” in the subject line. Let’s shape the future of your business together!
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