The Role of the Narrative in Values-Led Business

Many leaders of values-based organizations already possess the requisite passion for the core values of their respective organizations. The ability to have their organizations perform in a manner consistent with these values is critical to gain the authenticity necessary for their audiences in order to discern the value of what that particular organization offers. The inability to articulate this to all stakeholders — including the marketplace, investors, employees, and competitors — may increase the hazard of mortality for the organization. One characteristic that human beings do not share with any other creature on earth is the ability to relate complex narratives. Narratives in leadership are synonymous with storytelling in organizations. Narratives have a much broader connotation. Narratives are an ancient art form and have the ability to create a connection between the narrator and the audience. If related well, it can create a sense of community, hone a common focus, and provide a stimulus for change. Most organizations need to address a common problem of implementing leadership tools resulting in the best outcomes for decisions. Poor leadership will inevitably increase the likelihood of organizational failure. They need to implement mechanisms that will increase positive outcomes. This paper reviews examples of leadership under impossible odds. It will reveal the necessary foundational material to provide a solid background. Next, it will address the common elements of an effective narrative as well as the importance that authenticity plays in its reception. Lastly, the elements of narrative leadership and the power it can give to those leaders who learn how to use narratives effectively will be addressed. Examples will demonstrate how effective narratives used by leaders of values-based organizations can eliminate obstacles and help their organizations perform audaciously

Kitchener\u27s Volunteers

The fourth of August 1914 was a day of jubilation throughout Britain. German armies, numbering in the millions, had overrun Belgian border stations the previous day and were advancing unchecked across the frontier. As the morning progressed, a buzz of enthusiasm began to grow. News placards throughout Britain broadcast the news of the German invasion to the eager public from every street corner. Those British in the big cities were first to hear. From London to Birmingham, Manchester to Cardiff, and Edinburgh to Belfast, people gathered to hear the news. By noon, Trafalgar Square was packed end to end with Londoners. The war that Europe had been waiting for had finally arrived. Within hours thousands were gathering outside local recruiting stations. The queues consisted of men young and old, rich and poor, covering the spectrum of Britain’s class society. These men were here for many reasons but all wanted in before their chance had passed

Factors Underlying the Decline in Manufacturing Employment Since 2000

[Excerpt] The manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy has experienced substantial job losses since 2000. During the recession of 2001 and its immediate aftermath, employment in the manufacturing sector fell by about 2.9 million jobs, or 17 percent. Even after overall employment began to improve in 2004, the decline in manufacturing employment persisted. By the end of 2007, with the slowing of economic growth, employment in the sector had edged down further, by half a million jobs. And, as of November 2008, employment in manufacturing had fallen yet again, by slightly more than 600,000 jobs. A significant number of additional losses is likely given the current weakness in the economy

A Model for Implementing a Successful Sustainability Strategy

The process of implementing sustainability within national and international corporate functions requires senior management commitment and a sustainability team which employs the correct leadership knowledge and skills. Additionally, all stakeholders must fully understand, accept, routinely monitor, and participate in the strategy of sustainability. This core business value must also be clearly articulated throughout the organization

Projections of Net Migration to the United States

[Excerpt] Immigration projections are subject to a large degree of uncertainty even in the near term. In fact, the two agencies\u27 projections for net migration in 2010 range, under plausible alternative assumptions, from as low as 150,000 to more than 1.5 million people. Analysis of historical data implies an 80 percent probability that over the next decade, net migration will average between about 500,000 and 1.5 million people annually, with the range of possible outcomes narrowing somewhat over a longer horizon. This paper examines the projection methodologies and outlines the most recent projections of the Social Security trustees and the Census Bureau. The trustees\u27 projections are higher than those of the Census Bureau in the near term but lower after 2025

The Values-Based Revolution

The key to creating a successful business is not guaranteed by disingenuously going green especially if that term lacks certain definition. Rather, in addition to adopting principles of environmental stewardship, the values-based leader will discover that in freely espousing and implementing principles in the workplace, consumers with like values will often pay a product and/or service premium to patronize a business demonstrating like mindset. This is the true way of achieving business success