In the rapidly changing world of business, Sid Mohasseb, CEO of Anabasis, Inc., stresses the importance of aligning stakeholder interests and embracing a big-picture philosophy called the business model for change. This shift involves focusing on the reasons, motivations, and causes behind decisions and actions, rather than solely on outcomes. By harmonizing and nurturing the values and satisfaction drivers of customers, employees, partners, investors, and society, organizations can promote long-term competitiveness and growth in the face of evolving expectations and value exchanges.
Mohasseb argues that focusing only on outcomes, such as revenues and profits, is no longer sufficient for success in today’s constantly evolving business landscape. Instead, businesses must understand and fulfill the qualitative reasons that drive individuals to engage with their organization. Building a strong ecosystem that fosters success and values all stakeholders is crucial for achieving sustained prosperity, rather than simply chasing short-term success stories or prioritizing outcome management.
When organizations prioritize one stakeholder over another or deliver compromised value to certain pillars, they risk creating imbalances in value exchanges that can lead to challenges and negative consequences. Examples like Tesla lowering vehicle prices, Reddit increasing prices for third-party developers, and Wells Fargo creating fake accounts for customers highlight the importance of considering the needs and expectations of all five pillars of an organization. By maintaining a mindset of service to all stakeholders, staying aware of evolving reasons for engagement, and having the courage to enable parity in value delivery, business leaders can avoid creating imbalances and foster sustainable relationships with all stakeholders.
Ultimately, Mohasseb argues that the purpose of a business is not solely to make money, but to deliver value. By shifting from outcome-based planning to reason-based exploration, businesses can enhance value exchange, harmonize relationships with stakeholders, and remain relevant in a constantly changing world. This transition, he believes, will lead to sustained prosperity and provide a strong foundation for creating the future of business and global success. Through a focus on delivering true value to all stakeholders, businesses can build trust, foster growth, and ensure long-term competitiveness in a dynamic and evolving marketplace.
