The conversation about measurement in business and determining what matters is a lengthy one. Andy Grove summarized the issue with — we need to “measure what matters,” and that is the difficult part. So, we talk about the language of Financial Analysis Dashboards, KPIs, sales metrics, customer retention rates, CAC, and much more.
The world of Business as Mission (BAM) talks about the Quadruple Bottom Line, and it in many ways, is sort of a standard metric for progress. Let’s look at that for a moment, using the terminology of Jo Plummer in https://businessasmission.com/4-bam-bottom-lines-doing-spiritual-economic-social-and-environmental-good/
Economic good is measured with lots of quantifiable statements such as cash flow, ROI, and Net Profit Margin, which help assess how the business is doing financially. Wealth creation brings human flourishing, which can be measured. Snowman Labs is a QBL company in Brazil which demonstrates how being profitable is important.
Social good is accomplished when the business addresses social ills such as poverty, exploitation, human slavery, and injustice. BAM businesses create jobs, and dignified work is the keyway to facilitate social good. This has an innate measurability to it. PhotoUp in the Philippines started with three employees, and now more than 300 have a better lifestyle and a measure of security.
Environmental good means being good stewards of God’s creation in our business operations. Business strategies can ensure appropriate sanitation methods and reduce air pollution. Outland Denim in Cambodia sends a scout to ensure the denim process in the supply chain is environment friendly.
Spiritual good is equally important with the other “goods”, because mankind’s sin demands a reconciliation with God as key to addressing the root cause of separation from God and His ways in the world. While BAM businesses can help to bring social change, real transformation comes with repentance and becoming a follower of Jesus.
For all of these “goods” we can work hard, make wise decisions, and measure our progress, except for the Spiritual, because there is a factor outside our capacity to be successful. The Scriptures say that real change is dependent upon the Holy Spirit.
- It is through the Holy Spirit that God makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus and adopts us into His family.
- He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,” Titus 3:5-6
- And when He comes, He will convict the world of sin… John 16:8
- The Holy Spirit gives us new desires, power, and strength. You have power in Christ that can help you overcome any sin or temptation. (Philippians 4:13)
So, as we think about the QBL and metrics in our business, we must recognize there is a key person outside our ability to control, and this person is (or should be) a member of our team – a true insider and He has all wisdom. Bill, an owner of a sizable business in Asia, always has a place for the Holy Spirit at board meetings and management meetings. Sometimes, right during the meeting, he will ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com