How A Business Can Operate By the Stages

Obviously, businesses must make profits to survive and prosper. I believe that the best-run business organizations are those that can hit their goals in the crucial—make or break— profit area while operating from the higher stages whenever possible. With this in mind, it makes sense that all things being equal, an operation that emphasizes optimal motivation of its employees and other target stage values will have the best long-term profit potential.

So here is how business organizations might operate, by the stages:

Stage One―Provides a “sheltered environment” for employees … Deliberately hires people who have a hard time finding work and/or would be most likely to latch on merely for the sake of job security.
Stage Two―Operates on a foundation of lies, deception and fraudulent practices.
Stage Three―Runs by strict rules, including an unbending chain of command and unquestioned authority (e.g., assembly-line factories, large construction projects, post office, etc.) … Most valued are “yes men/women”; “company men/women”; toadies; and those who maximally blend in and follow the system and “party line” without making any waves or bringing attention to themselves.
Stage Four―Management sees value in pacifying, being kind to employees, and/or often defers (whether or not by choice) to labor unions.
Stage Five―Perks, money, and benefits are mainly used to manage employees in a conventional environment where the management style is tailored to the primary mission of the company, which is maximizing profits … Other than bottom-line profit making, almost everything else is considered incidental and/or small potatoes.
Stage Six―Creativity is valued and reinforced in an environment that listens to the opinions and suggestions of all staff … Extraordinary efforts are made to formulate the maximum use of all talent (considered a major resource) for the long-term good of the organization, including its bottom line.
Stage Seven―Policy is established and management is very conscious of giving everyone―employees, customers/clients, and other associates―the fairest possible treatment as well as the highest regard … Customer service is a genuine part of the company’s mission statement and reinforces its intention to make the optimal impact (as opposed to merely being a marketing tool) … Does pro bono work, donates goods or services to community and/or a portion of profits to charity … Is environmentally and socially conscious … Encourages that same high-minded behavior in employees.

In reality, most business operate to one degree or another out of most, if not all of the stages simultaneously. The trick is to do this consciously.