The Human Advantage

The Win-Won Business Mindset (#3): “The Competitive Advantage - We Humans”

Being human is a unique miracle in and of itself. The human mind is a powerful force, capable of building and creating the unimaginable. Human ingenuity is a blessing we possess, and we should deploy it as a force for good to better ourselves and the lives of others.

For a long time, we have used businesses as production vehicles—entities that deliver a wide range of products and services. Ideally, they serve as platforms for individuals seeking to create solutions within society, enabling us to leverage our capabilities across both the marketplace and the broader social landscape.

Here is a collection of values that place humanity at the heart of business, guiding meaningful integration between people and enterprise.

Value of Human Capital:

Speaking strictly in economic terms, businesses are designed to leverage assets to produce products or services. Yet the true value of those assets cannot always be measured or valued accurately. What gets reported on the financial statements doesn’t tell the full story. Ultimately, it is people who determine the long-term success of a business, not simply technology or systems. Great businesses are built by exceptional individuals, and human capital (its people) remains an invaluable asset.

Value of Human Connection:

One of the most effective ways to learn and grow is by emulating others. Consider the following:

• Mentorship—the ability to pass on knowledge and wisdom to others
• Expertise—the result of sustained dedication that leads to mastery in a trade, skill, science, or art
• Leadership—the act of encouraging others to strive for excellence and become better versions of themselves
• Experience—the lessons revealed through action, reflection, and even failure
  

There is a sacredness to being human that far transcends work and productivity. Our actions travel across the span of our lives, shaping environments and influencing those we interact with. What we create and produce becomes part of that connection. Whether we are aware of it or not, our actions ripple through time and impact the future. We can find inspiration in people, in what they do, and in what they leave behind.

Team Humanity:

Properly oriented businesses should serve a positive societal purpose—aiming to solve problems and create products or services that improve our lives.

• The local farmer whose harvest feeds the community
• The bakery that provides bread to families 
• The restaurant owner who hosts events and celebrations
• The contractor who builds or renovates your home
• The health care or wellness professional who heals

Businesses are run by people—people who are your neighbors, who went to school with you, who volunteer at charities, coach little league baseball, or organize the local hockey league. They're fellow humans who create the connections that enrich our lives. Their businesses, work, professions, and creations all form a vital part of their identity and sense of value.

In conclusion, while technology and its derivatives are powerful tools, it is we humans who create the meaning and lasting connections that shape our world.

 

“The Win-Won Business Mindset” is a series by Win-Won Business Consulting designed to share insights, ideas, and strategies for small businesses and entrepreneurs.