– Healthy and Wealthy

With the average life expectancy of a Fortune 500 firm currently less than fifty years, it’s clear that having long-term goals does not necessarily equate to long-term survival.  What then can leaders do to ensure their companies stand the test of time?

Surviving in today’s turbulent business environment means a leader must do far more than manage their company with the goal of creating a wealthy business.  Today’s leader must shift gears and begin to manage with the goal of creating a healthy business as well–one that’s stable and viable for the long haul. 

“The place to start is with greater employee involvement,” says Sue Bethanis, Founder/CEO of Mariposa Leadership, Inc.  She adds, “Healthy companies are comprised of employees who feel a part of the process.  That’s when they begin internalizing the goals of the company and making them their own.” Goal internalization is critical to long-term business survival, here’s why:

1. Ideas – Executives have many answers but can’t be expected to have all of the answers.  Employees are a wealth of intellectual capital–tap them for their thoughts and you may find exactly what you’re searching for.
2. Alignment – Employees will “stick it out” through the hard times and celebrate the good times when their personal goals are aligned with the company’s goals.
3. Agility – Remaining agile and being able to adapt is critical to long term survival.  Healthy businesses can quickly harvest and implement new ideas and strategies when employees believe in their company.   

A shift in focus towards producing healthy businesses allows leaders to achieve longevity for their company.  Wise leaders, the true sages of the field, choose to survive long-term by creating a business that’s both healthy and wealthy.