Political abstinence? ... was yesterday!

Political abstinence? ... was yesterday! Why is it important nowadays that you, I and our companies also take a political stance?

Many company currently find themselves in the process of defining a corporate position as a means of identifying its role and value within the context in which it operates.

 In today's political climate, it's more important than ever that you have a clear purpose, also for your corporate position. Be it #democracy #diversity #carbonzero or #sustainability .

It is increasingly important for #companies to take political #positions. On the one hand, this is because consumers' expectations of companies in terms of social and societal responsibility have increased (sustainable production, ethical standards, climate).

Employees and, above all, applicants have the same expectations.

In addition, dealing with political issues is more important because:

➡️ Geopolitics is back in play - and massively so.

➡️ Sustainability has broad societal relevance - finally.

➡️ Societal values and perspectives have changed - in a very short time.

In the recently published "CEO Outlook" by auditors KPMG, "managing political risks" is the third biggest challenge and "political risks" the second biggest concern of CEOs.

Everything is politics, often also the core business. Let's just think about our international supply chains, our (hopefully) responsible KI usage or our marketing claims.

When you're working in any relevant context, every decision you make should be framed by your company's overarching purpose and mission, which should be clearly positioned.

To my executive clients I always recommend to use their corporate #purpose as a lens to review and sharpen: 

* Change approaches & target culture states

* Initiatives

* Decisions         

* Agendas

As we all know, the political climate has become increasingly divisive and polarized. This can be a challenge for businesses that have to navigate these new obstacles.

However, there is also an opportunity for businesses to take advantage of this polarized environment. This is because it allows businesses to take more definitive positions on their values and beliefs than they may have been able to in the past.

It is important for businesses to identify their corporate position in politically relevant contexts so that they can be successful in navigating these new challenges and opportunities. 

The assumption that #business and #politics are independent of each other is outdated. Doing business requires taking ethical, social and environmental issues into account #ESG - and that requires clarity from us individually:

• In which industry do I want to operate?
• Where and with whom do I want to do business?
• How do I recruit employees and which ones do I promote?
• Where, from whom do I buy?

 Top talents want to express their convictions and require their employer to openly address grievances.

 The intersection of politics and business is expected to increase.

The continued rise of China, instability at the gates of Europe, and economic and social polarization must mean that politics becomes an essential part of strategic decision-making.

 At BCG BrightHouse, we think that's great! And why? Our DNA is to turn brands into position and activate transformation.

 And, ''A democracy in which there is no debate is not a democracy at all." Helmut Schmidt.

So, how do you see it? How are your companies implementing the shift in perspective?

If you're not sure what your companys´ position and mission is, or how to communicate it effectively, don't worry!

Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Make sure each member of your team understands his or her role in supporting the company's mission
2. Identify any gaps in your support system and fill them with new hires who can help fulfill your goals
3. Remember that every single person who works at your company has an impact on its success or failure—so make sure they feel welcomed and valued as a part of the team