CORE TENETS
Core tenets of a Human-Focused Organization
At Octopy, we talk a lot about creating a more human-focused future of work. So what exactly makes an organization “human-focused” and why is it important?
We’ve identified five foundational principles that any organization must embody to genuinely qualify as human-focused:
Core tenets
of a Human-Focused Organization
At Octopy, we talk a lot about creating a more human-focused future of work. So what exactly makes an organization “human-focused” and why is it important?
We’ve identified five foundational principles that any organization must embody to genuinely qualify as human-focused:
Honor Your Individuals
Companies are not made of employees, they’re made of people: unique, complex individuals that have the power to make a huge impact when they thrive. Our role as organizations is to create the conditions in which our team members can truly thrive.
Prioritize Well-Being
Revenue is good. It is the fuel that allows us to continue building our businesses and provide for ourselves and others. However, when companies are willing to sacrifice the well-being and health of employees, customers, communities, and other stakeholders in the name of generating a profit, they have lost sight of why businesses exist in the first place—which is to solve problems on behalf of people, not in spite of them.
Build for the Long-Term
The goal of any leader in an organization should be to build something that outlasts us and serves people for generations to come. To do this effectively means recognizing that what may be an appealing short-term benefit actually harms the business in the long-run. This includes how you grow your team(s), treat your employees, customers, communities, and stakeholders, and stand firm to your purpose and values. So, setting benchmarks, KPIs, goals, etc. that reflect a long-term perspective over a reactive one is paramount.
Invest in Lasting Relationships
When we approach our organizational decisions with a transactional mindset, we will get the same from our employees, customers, and our communities. To generate real loyalty--both inside the organization and out--we have to establish a foundation of connection and relationship. Only then will our employees, customers, and communities go above and beyond for us when we need it most.
Hold Yourself Accountable
In today’s landscape, businesses often wield much more power than a single individual—whether that be due to having more resources, more connections, business-friendly legislation, or a bigger platform. With these advantages comes a responsibility to hold yourself to a higher standard than the bare minimum. That means being open and honest about how you’re conducting your business with those affected by it, taking responsibility for mistakes, and empowering employees, customers, communities, and stakeholders to keep you true to your word.