The Emerging New Business Paradigm
By Steve Nobel
"The real social revolution of the last thirty years, one we are still living through, is the switch from a life that is largely organised for us, once we have opted into it, to a world in which we are forced to be in charge of our own destiny." - Charles Handy
The Business World is Changing
The business world is changing at rapid speed. Despite this many organisations are still trying to do business according to the old paradigm. We are slowly emerging into a different world. One where the old capitalist model is creaking. There is the realisation that unlimited growth does not equal unlimited happiness. Nearly a century ago Keynes, the economist, warned 'Modern capitalism is absolutely irreligious, without internal union, without much public spirit, often, though not always, mere congories of possessors and pursuers.' We can only hope that the old capitalist model will be soon updated. The damage to the environment shows that we cannot continue doing things in the same old way. We live in a global market where technology such as the Internet is having a hughe impact on how we do things. Business in cyberspace rewards meritology and connection rather than economies of scale. It seems to me that the companies that will grow and thrive in the coming years are the ones that consciously align themselves to the inspiring philosophy of the emerging new paradigm.
What is the Old Business Paradigm?
The core of the old paradigm is a win/lose philosophy that embraces:
fierce competition, a belief in scarcity, management-employee hierarchy, imposed rules, rigidity of structures, crisis management, short term gain over long term goals,
a fear of visionaries, the good old carrot and the stick approach, dull/serious workplaces, drudgery and self-sacrifice, blame, conflict and internal politics, constant busyness, the need for status symbols, fear, greed and distrust, ego issues, resistance to new ideas, inflexibilty, a fear of change and chaos, profit above all things, quantity rather than quality, large and unwieldy organisations, for employees a lack of meaning and belonging, unsustainable growth/practises, little care or appreciation for the impact it has on earth and human communities. This old paradigm of win/lose ultimately creates lose/lose for both human communities and the planet itself.
What is the New Business Paradigm?
The core of the new paradigm is a win/win philosophy that embraces:
cooperation, the importance of relationships, community and networking, a belief in enough for all, empowerment at all levels, a values-led company that is purpose driven, a synergy of left/right brain approach, creative and visionary management, interdependence, flexibility and innovation, a synergy of intellect and intuition, goals and values, stimulating and creative working environment that encourages emotional intelligence, the ability to see challenges as opportunities, the long term view is taken rather than the pursuit of short term gain, teamwork and mutual encouragement, play and purpose, time given for beingness, rest and socialising, appreciation and open communication, passion, inspiration and trust, clear responsibility and agreements, an exploration of possibility and making a real difference, thinking global yet acting local, an embracing of change, small decentralised organisations, sustainable growth/practises, a doctrine of enough, and a taking of social responsibity for the impact on the earth and on human communities.
The million dollar question is, which paradigm will we choose to collectivelly live by? Time will tell!
I hope this article interests you. If you would like to know more about the ongoing prosperity support group in Central London, workshops in London and the South-West, free online courses, or prosperity products such as my book The Prosperity Game, then please goto my website for more information.
Blessings
Steve Nobel
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