LEARN ABOUT

OUR PHILOSOPHY OF BUSINESS

A tree is only as good as its roots.

Every organization has an ethos, a heartbeat, a soul. Beneath values statements and vision boards, purpose posters and mission briefs, there is something deeper, a set of core beliefs that shapes everything else. We call this our “Philosophy of Business,” and it is a set of fundamental principles we believe not only apply to us, but to everyone. Some might disagree, and we respect their right to their own convictions. For us, though, we believe businesses, ministries, and organizations of all kinds have a crucial part to play in shaping not just markets, but the cultures and destinies of the people those markets represent.
brown tree trunk on brown soil
Why Business Matters
PRINCIPLE 1:
BUSINESS IS THE ENGINE THAT DRIVES THE WORLD.
There’s an old saying attributed to Red Motley, “Nothing happens until somebody sells something.”[1] While most would agree this idea applies in business, we believe it goes even deeper, and that for those who understand the real value business provides and are willing to invest in success, there is almost no limit to the great things they can achieve for both themselves and others. When sales bring revenue to a company, that company has capital to invest. It pays salaries and wages for its team, spends money on outside vendors and supplies, and reinvests into its own growth and future success. As those people receive salaries, wages, and sales in their own enterprises, they take that money and send it to homebuilders, grocers, and providers of entertainment. In turn, those firms provide yet more jobs for mining and materials companies, farms and food processors, and a whole host of creative and business people. But the chain continues even farther. As money flows through the hands of all these people, they also direct it toward churches, non-profits, and charities. They use it to teach their children, better their neighborhoods, and contribute toward causes they support. These organizations do good for families, animals, and the environment, support science and the arts, and contribute to an even greater flourishing of humanity. We believe in the power of business to drive the progress of the world. That’s one reason we love helping Leaders drive uncommon growth, because business matters. — [1] Motley, R. (1963). Confessions of a Salesman, p. 52. Prentice-Hall.
clear glass pitcher on white paper
The Power of Purpose
PRINCIPLE 2:
PURPOSE IS THE CATALYST FOR MEANINGFUL GROWTH.
We believe Purpose drives higher profits. According to global firm Interbrand’s 2018 Best Global Brands report, “the Best Global Brands have a clear sense of purpose, and are willing to take bold risks to bring that purpose to life”[1]. This study revealed that firms who were “driven by a clear sense of purpose which is focused on creating meaningful, positive impact in the world…” had an annual growth rate over a five-year period that was 12% higher than their peers. We believe Purpose enables healthier growth and happier teams. According to multiple peer-reviewed studies, a clear and compelling purpose produces higher levels of job satisfaction, retention, and engagement among employees and volunteers. [2][3][4] This leads to better working relationships and creates healthier and more sustainable growth over time. Finally, we believe Purpose creates happier clients and customers who drive even higher levels of growth. A CSR study from Cone Communications revealed 87% of consumers will purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they care about, and 76% will refuse to purchase a product if they learn a company supported an issue contrary to their beliefs.[5] Another study found people are more likely to donate to a charity when the charity’s purpose aligns with their moral values.[6] Plus, the Journal of Business Ethics found that consumers are more likely to develop a sense of personal identification with purpose-driven businesses, which in turn leads to greater loyalty and willingness to recommend the business to others.[7] We believe in the power of purpose to create higher profits, healthier growth, and happier teams, clients, and customers. That’s one reason we love helping leaders find the core Purpose of their organization and connect it to everything they do, because purpose matters. — [1] Interbrand. (2018). Best Global Brands 2018, p. 5. Retrieved from http://interbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Interbrand_Best_Global_Brands_2018.pdf [2] Bailey, C., Madden, A., Alfes, K., Shantz, A., & Soane, E. (2017). The mismanaged soul: Existential labor and the erosion of meaningful work. Human Resource Management Review, 27(3), 416-430. [3] Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a job: Revisioning employees as active crafters of their work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179-201. [4] Rosso, B. D., Dekas, K. H., & Wrzesniewski, A. (2010). On the meaning of work: A theoretical integration and review. Research in Organizational Behavior, 30, 91-127. [5] Cone Communications. (2017). 2017 Cone Communications CSR Study. [6] Reed, A., Aquino, K., & Levy, E. (2007). Moral identity and judgments of charitable behaviors. Journal of Marketing, 71(1), 178-193. [7] Brunk, K. H., & Schaefer, K. A. (2017). The loyalty of socially responsible consumers: The roles of satisfaction, trust, and identification. Journal of Business Ethics, 144(4), 635-653.
Leading Where it Counts
PRINCIPLE 3:
PEOPLE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP IS THE HEART OF TRUE SUCCESS.

According to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Leadership is “the art of getting someone else to do something … because he wants to do it, not because your position of power can compel him to do it.”[1] This is the great distinction between the Leader and the Manager, for while the Manager makes people do what they have to, the Leader inspires people to do what they get to.

We believe the most inspiring Leadership flows from a genuine care for people. This means considering the needs of all people impacted by our choices, keeping an open ear to listen and learn from others, and seeking whole-person solutions instead of only workaround fixes. This means valuing what is truly best for all instead of what is only profitable for a few. And this means being willing to let words be proven by money and actions.

Not everyone feels this way. Some care only about the bottom-line, short-term profitability, and money-first solutions. They are not interested in finding ways to make things better for everyone, caring only about the needs of shareholders and themselves. We disagree, and are happy to say “no” to working with Clients who don’t share our belief in people-driven leadership.

We believe in the power of people-driven leadership to drive meaningful results and profits.

That’s one reason we love helping Leaders unlock The Human Advantage, because people matter.

—

[1] Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home. (n.d.). Speeches: Address at the United Nations General Assembly. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/media/3842

So, now we've told you all about us ... Shall we continue the conversation?

GET YOUR FREE GROWTH CONSULTATION
© 2025 Adriel Partners, All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy