2 Key Business Values Which Are Vital For 2020

2020 has been the year of adaptation and change for all. Everywhere you look, the world is shifting rapidly; the Black Lives Matter movement brought the pressing conversation of race back to the table, while the COVID-19 pandemic has tragically caused over a million deaths and created economic upheaval; and in politics… Well, it’s not exactly a quiet year in the White House either.

If you run a business, you might have found this year a challenge in more ways than one. Whether it is getting your automation testing up and running, adjusting your stock intake, adhering to COVID-19 rules or just simply getting a whole night’s sleep, everything has become an extra challenge. In this blog, you will find the two pillars of business values which are vital for running your business in 2020 and beyond.

Respect

It seems in the modern world that having respect for each other has fallen by the wayside. In every aspect of life, respect is a vital value that must be exercised at all times. In business, this is no different. Although redundancies are skyrocketing while businesses are stressed and stretched thin, as a business owner it is your responsibility to ensure that respect is exercised at all times. This counts among colleagues, and at all levels of business, from cleaners to the CEO and everyone in between. 

Why is respect so especially vital in 2020? Because the world is in chaos, and at these times our basic values are in danger of being lost. If you are having to make cutbacks and lay off workers, doing so respectfully and with regard to their feelings is of utmost importance. While we are all concerned about the economic ramifications of coronavirus, there is no excuse for disrespectful behaviour – particularly in a time where we need to work together more than ever before. 

Humanity

Once again, in this year of upheaval our humanity is being tested. Whichever political side you fall on, or whatever your background, exercising humanity in business has never been more needed. Exercising humanity does not mean being totally mushy or impractical, but it does mean extending a hand to people and giving them the benefit of the doubt. If people in your business are having a rough time, it is your responsibility to make sure they feel taken care of by you as their boss.

How do you achieve this? Firstly, being approachable is essential to running a business with kindness and humanity. If someone in your business is having a problem that is personal, such as struggling with mental health, taking care of a loved one or a housing issue, you should be a boss that they can speak to. You aren’t there to fix all their problems by waving a magic wand, but you can create meaningful connections between yourself and your team, extending a hand to those who have worked hard for your company.

In conclusion, 2020 has been a rough year – but your response to it doesn’t have to be so rough. Adjust with respect and humanity, and you will be well on your way to a brighter 2021.