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Conscious Business
An Exciting Movement and a Ray of Hope for Us!
Given how much power corporations and businesses have, it is exciting and hopeful to realize that there is good data now suggesting that businesses that act consciously and ethically are also more profitable and sustainable.
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Communication that Brings Warm Connection
Nonviolent and Compassionate Communication (NVC) is a communication model used worldwide by individuals and organizations for building collaborative culture, conflict resolution, Emotional Intelligence skill building, relationship transformation, emotional self care and community building. NVC can be a key tool for companies who are inspired by the principles and practices of the Conscious Business and Conscious Capitalism movement. By fostering empathetic, authentic connection and clear understanding of human and organizational needs, NVC helps businesses build stronger relationships with all stakeholders, leading to more sustainability and fulfillment for the company and throughout the stakeholder community. Bringing NVC into the culture and business operations also supports alignment to the company's purpose and enhances transparency, trust, and collaboration, ultimately creating a more enjoyable and successful organization.
What is Conscious Capitalism?
"Conscious capitalism is an approach to business that seeks to align profit-making activities with a greater sense of purpose and social responsibility. It emphasizes the idea that businesses should serve the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, communities and the environment, rather than solely focusing on maximizing the shareholders’ value and rewarding the bosses of the world.
The concept of conscious capitalism was popularized by John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, and Raj Sisodia, a business professor, who co-authored the bestselling book Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business. They sought to redefine capitalism by incorporating a greater emphasis on purpose, stakeholder orientation and social responsibility." (Forbes, “How and Why to Apply ‘Conscious Capitalism’ To Your Business”, By David Henzel, 8/4/23)
“As far back as 2013, a Harvard Business Review article showed companies that practice “Conscious Capitalism” perform ten times better than their peers….Conscious companies like Patagonia are not an anomaly. Five years ago, when my agency explained to potential clients that we create “values-based businesses,” we were met with a lot of resistance. Now, we have a full roster of ethical, responsible, values-based clients dedicated to creating companies that benefit all stakeholders — and a waitlist. The tide has turned.
Over this time, I have had the great privilege to personally witness what happens when leaders and teams discover their own inner light and greater purpose, and infuse that into their work. When values are at the heart of a business, suddenly capitalism acts and feels completely different. It feeds our starving souls and makes us realize we want and deserve something more for our dollars than we have been sold in the past.” (Forbes, “The Rise of Conscious Capitalism”, by Gretchen Fox, 3/26/2019)
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Why develop empathy skills in your company?
In the fast-paced and often competitive world of business, effective communication is key to success, and empathic connection between team members is key to effective communication.
Nonviolent and Compassionate Communication (NVC) offers a powerful framework for fostering understanding, resolving conflicts, and building stronger relationships in the workplace.
At its core, NVC is about empathy, both in understanding our own needs and the needs of others. This approach encourages individuals to express themselves honestly and listen with empathy, leading to more authentic, effective, meaningful and enjoyable interactions.
3x3 Empathy Factors™
Bringing Empathy to Conscious Businesses
"Empathy represents the foundation skill for all the social competencies important for work."
“If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”
- Daniel Goleman, Thought Leader, Emotional Intelligence in Organizations.
I have had the good fortune and pleasure of working with Marie Miyashiro, author of Empathy Factors, at her Giraffe Business School (GBS). I am collaborating with Marie and two Certified NVC Trainers to coauthor a book with her, Pathways to Sustainability, to support trainers who are bringing her 3x3 Empathy Factors™ program to organizations.
Marie successfully developed and delivered 3x3 Empathy Factors™ to the L’Oreal corporation, in more than 22 countries, for tens of thousands of employees, over the course of 7 years, with 85 to 100% average results satisfaction.
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Benefits Of Using Empathy And Conscious Capitalism In The Workplace
Conscious Capitalism Tenets
Results
What Peaceabl’s Clients are Saying…
Maina Ngeru, Social Worker and Community Organizer
“I am so glad NVC made it happen to transform me from who I was before. Previously, I was a ‘Jackal’, only caring about myself as the center of attention and hardly did I pay attention to the needs of others. I always assumed I knew everything and as a behavioral scientist I only had a 'Me' perspective. However, now even at work, I solely base my decision making on NVC, especially in meeting the needs of our customers. My main sales and marketing techniques are now to connect with the customer through empathy. This is also how I interact with my co-workers.😊 ”
Photo: Sam Odhiambo, Catherine’s co-trainer for NVC training for Dandora community in Nairobi Kenya.
Katie Mickey Founder & Director, Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute
“Words fall short in describing my gratitude for Catherine Cooley’s coaching and mediation. Catherine’s mediation, compassionate communication and coaching skills have helped me navigate and resolve many difficult situations. I have utilized Catherine’s skills to resolve employee difficulties on five separate occasions leading to: one employee termination, two employee transitions, one waive of labor claim coupled with increase in interpersonal skills necessary for effective capacity in job description and one employee quit and eviction following legal counsel. In the first 4 situations, I was able to preserve the rapport, integrity and care of my relationships which has continued to this day. In the latter, I acquired the strength and clarity to seek legal counsel to preserve the safety and autonomy of my family.”
PHOTO BY JEHYUN SUNG ON UNSPLASH
Claudia Rucker, CEO Estetica Mia Spa
“Catherine, thank you for giving us options to reframe these words, assumptions and judgments that bring disconnection.
We are in a service industry and an important part of being of service is to stay curious so that we gain the clarity that we need to move past judgment and faux feelings and give amazing service that lets us rise to excellence. We need to stay humble, be kind and be aware that clients do not have our NVC education. So when they are upset, they use tragic strategies to meet their needs. Otherwise, how can we truly be of service? Instead, we can understand their needs and we can stay present and focused on getting their world and give them empathy.
The results are excellence in client care, which is what we are building. I do not believe that we can be on the same path to give excellent care as a team if we do not all embrace this way of thinking and speaking.”Photo: Catherine (middle) leading a workshop for entrepreneurs at Women’s Economic Ventures, Santa Barbara, California
Lesley Weinstock Physician Assistant, Women's Health Specialist
“I co-facilitated an NVC practice group with Catherine. I enjoy our collaboration and it has been a joy working with her. I really appreciate Catherine's focus on slowing things down and inviting folks to be self-connected. Her natural compassion creates an atmosphere of trust and connection between everyone present.”
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Hunter Correa, Owner and CEO, First Suit Co., Inc.
“I can see the tools I’ve gained with you are now going outwards in so many ways.
For example - some of our customers are very difficult. Our work is time sensitive and things need to be there for important events. We do a good job, but we are not not perfect.
Now, though, I don’t judge the customers anymore. Instead I guess how they are feeling and what they are needing. I envision what this means for them to be well dressed for a church installation, gala, retirement ceremony etc. It is amazing. They can feel that someone is respecting them and caring, and they get calm. It was never like this in the past.
This empathy also compels us to work harder for them. Our customer interactions are now helping us to grow, solve problems, innovate, in a way that is mutual. I hope it is an experience that they never forget.
My team can see I'm in a good space now, calm, not acting out anymore. You can say anything to me and I’ll understand your need or make a guess. Before I would see anxiety and anger rising within me, but now it is not even there.”
Photo by Brett Sayles from pexels
Johnny Sacko, Social Entrepreneur and Investor
“I've known Catherine Cooley for years now - we took a consensus class together and that's where I discovered her highly developed abilities as a facilitator. She can really hold the multiple levels of consciousness necessary to create communication and forward motion.
She was head and shoulders above the rest of the class by virtue of her years of diligent study and application of these skills. She's the best facilitator I've ever met, and she comes from a direction of compassion and willingness to pull the weight.
I've since hired her to facilitate a community town hall panel - and she was great! From a business perspective, she can get a group to cover a lot of ground efficiently, and as a coordinated unit. Her combination of organizational skills, blazing intelligence, and positive attitude make her very valuable.
She's a lovely person, and very sharp - but not deadly serious. I love her laughter!”
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash