How can exploring assumptions and beliefs contribute to change?
In much of our work with business our approach is to help people to surface the assumptions and beliefs that influence the mind-set and behaviours of the people in their organisation – and to help them to operate from a different set of assumptions, resulting in decisions and behaviours which create better outcomes both for the business and for society.
What assumptions and beliefs does Blueprint challenge?
Our experience has found that two key assumptions have dominated the narrative in business over the last 20-30 years:
- That the purpose of business is to solely make a profit; and
- That people are primarily motivated at work by money, status and power.
These assumptions play an important part in how people in business make decisions and how a business shows up in the world. (There are of course many other assumptions and beliefs in any business – such as about how the market the business is serving is changing and what brings competitive advantage. We are focussed here only on assumptions and beliefs about purpose and people).
These assumptions have led to a double disconnect:
- a disconnect between business and society – with some businesses operating in a way that shows little regard for the impact of their actions on people and planet; and
- a disconnect in the human heart when people feel disengaged at work because work fails to attend to their need to feel they are making a contribution, care for others and be cared for, and to realise their potential.
These are just assumptions – they are not laws of physics. They are powerful ideas which have become ingrained over time in business culture and practice. They are increasingly being questioned, and more people are recognising that there are alternative assumptions or beliefs which are better attuned to what businesses actually do, and more realistic about people.
Alternative assumptions and beliefs
Human motivation:
People are not purely self interested. They are relational and meaning seeking. A business is essentially a set of relationships and the long term success of the business depends on the quality and sustainability of these relationships, and about treating these people with dignity and respect.
The purpose of business:
Profit is not the purpose of business, but rather the outcome of a well run business living out a purpose that benefits society.
These alternative ideas, which underpin our work, are explored in more detail in the courses: