Managers' responsibility in building a cohesive society

This world is a pool of diversities, closely interlinked with each other. With slight variations in views, the contrast is alarming. Even so, we’ve learnt to build relationships and accept views. With time and energy, we’ve learnt to co-exist. As the world developed, the need for a cohesive society became the need of the hour. The term cohesive society relates to the need to build a society which essentially works towards the well-being of its members and inculcates a sense of belonging. The necessity of this came into existence with the world starting to anticipate war-like scenarios. Toxicity has spread like wildfire. It threatens to distort social harmony.

A destructive mentality governing our realm already. It is, thus, necessary to look towards the bigger picture. Overlooking a dramatic crisis, the need for Managers and CEOs to restructure the environment of their companies has increased. These companies, its Managers and CXOs are shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Thus, integrating people in micro-societies and creating bonds with organizational membership is eventually being set as a functional goal in the leading firms.

But what really is a Managers' responsibility as an individual which adds value to the foundation of such cohesive societies?

The answer, though simple, is a bit dubious. CEOs and Managers of leading firms have shed light on their thoughts, expressing the need for inclusivity in employees by managers. Executive Director, Home Care, HUL, Priya Nair expressed her views on the tangibility of managers. She said, "You are in an incredible position to make a difference within the organization as well as business and community”.

Another opinion on similar lines was articulated by Carlos Brito, the CEO of AB InBev, who emphasized on bridging the gap between managers and employees. He said: “It's great to have smart and accomplished employees. But if they're only there to build their own careers, that could work against you. You want people to take ownership of your company, not just rent it. An engaged group of owners as employees is the key to success rather than a selfish group of professionals. Foster an environment of owners—owners make better decisions”.

The future of the world lies in the hands of the young generation. They need to understand the need of the hour. The necessity of peace can be imprinted in their minds when organizations look towards the development of their employees with individual focus, leading in turn, to the foundation of a cohesive society. It, thus, becomes the managers' responsibility to inspire and bring about a change in the mind-sets of people they work with.

In a unique initiative taken by Flipkart, the CEO, Kalyan Krishnamurthy gave an opportunity to a randomly selected employee to become the CEO for a day. To inspire the staff of the leading firm in e-commerce, Krishnamurthy said, “We have a talented pool of people leading high-intensity teams who are helping us disrupt and innovate”.

The need to wake up now

Companies in the leading firms are taking initiatives to create an inclusive environment. However, the cord of connection still lies loose in the majority of firms. To ensure that the world grows into a better, comprehensive society, we need managers and CEOs to understand the requisites.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”, a famous quote by Desmond Tutu simplifies the crux of the matter. All we need is a little hope from the world that we live in. Dumbledore said, “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open”.

We live in a world where people like finding differences more than similarities. So, we must look forward to establishing constructive relationships in the communities we live in. When organizations, in totality, work on building a healthy environment, the lines of the conflict disappear gradually. We need to highlight and work on this thought to fabricate a peaceful society.

You as future Managers and CXOs, have to step into the role of a leader now! Start by sharing your journey, your story, to know what is received well. The best way to understand human psychology is to engage and draw inferences. Interact with as many people as you can. You will eventually be responsible for a team of people. Your primary managers' responsibility will be to ensure that they perform well. You KPI will lead your team to greatness!

Start now! You are the future and believe it or not the future is here already!