You’re Wide Awake? Don’t worry, it’s kinda like Bad meaning Good
I didn’t realise it’s nearly a year since my last post.
I stumbled online a couple of days ago, following a link to Liverpool’s transfer activity, and landed on the 'Daily Un-Woke’ website (not the tabloid’s real name, but no free publicity here). I’ve avoided this this tabloid since my schooldays but I confess, once I landed it had me for longer than I’d planned.
As I scrolled the headlines, people and multiple businesses and institutions were being called out or described as ‘woke’; not as a compliment, but something you should be quite ashamed of.
But hang on… People and business willing to embrace change being attacked with a questionable name-calling. I mean to be insulted as ‘woke’ – isn’t that kinda like Bad in hip-hop’s Good? You work it out, I can’t.
Rage
Particularly interesting was the rage of the journo’s, they wrote as thought they’d been personally wounded, or just tremoundously let down. They foamed at the businesses and ancient institutions including sport, choosing or being forced to modernise, or to simply get with it.
There was even a feature on an anti-woke app to help us to identify 'Bad companies’ and their products. So I thought it might be a good moment to revisit why businesses are being labelled with the ‘insult’ of being Woke.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the power to drive change and make a positive impact extends beyond traditional boundaries. Businesses across industries have recognized the importance of social awareness and purpose-driven initiatives. Socially-aware businesses are change-makers, and have tremendous transformative potential.
Woke Test
Take ‘The Woke Test’ and see whether you agree that business should be doing what it’s doing (or what some are trying to do). Check out if you’re woke, or Good. Good meaning Bad of course. I think…?
[I’ll go first - my answers in brackets]
Embracing Sustainable Practices:
Change-makers in the business world are leading the way in adopting sustainable practices that prioritize environmental well-being. From implementing renewable energy sources to reducing carbon emissions, socially-aware businesses are taking proactive steps to minimize their ecological footprint.
[Woke]
Championing Diversity and Inclusion:
Diversity and inclusion have become integral aspects of socially-aware businesses. Recognizing the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, change-makers are actively promoting equal opportunities and fostering inclusive work environments. [Woke]
Supporting Local Communities:
Change-makers understand the importance of giving back to the communities they operate in. Socially-aware businesses are actively seeking to engage in philanthropic or other impactful activity, supporting local initiatives and driving positive change at the grassroots level. [erm… Woke again]
Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade:
In an era of increased consumer consciousness, socially-aware businesses prioritize ethical sourcing and fair trade practices. They strive to ensure that their supply chains are transparent and free from exploitative practices. [damn it, Woke]
Balancing Purpose and Profit:
While the desire to make a positive impact is admirable, socially-aware businesses must also maintain financial viability. Change-makers successfully strike a balance between purpose and profit, demonstrating that social responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. [oh boll*cks…]
Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash
It’s confirmed. I’m Bad…
Woke I’m Afraid…
I fear I’m actually very Bad.
Good? Ri
ght…?
But So What eh?
The evolving landscape of business presents an opportunity for change-makers to drive transformation, and inspire others to adopt socially-aware practices.
By embracing sustainability, diversity, local communities, ethical sourcing, and balancing purpose and profit, businesses can make a tangible difference in the world… beyond the pages of the Annual Report.
