An upcoming CBI report will herald a shift in working attitudes and practices. At last. Why it has to take Meltdown for us to realise that, only far more accomplished students of the human condition than I can answer. Business should be simple. Sell more than you buy is a pretty good start. The CBI will tell us their study means companies will now look to integrate sustainability and ethics into their business model. Woo hoo. They will look to be visibly accountable to customers and staff in order to retain both. Woo hooo. The seers at CBI also tell us that companies will look at partnering with other businesses and(surely not) even competitors, to secure long term futures. Wooo hoooo.

That my loyal reader, is the drum I (and others) have been banging for years. Up until recently however, I have been viewed as a bit ‘woolly-tie, open-toed-sandal-wearing, (not that I do either!) Guardian-reading, soft leftie’ interrupting the conversation of the grown-ups’. Except now the Grown Ups have to shed their capes, take down the Sherman McCoy posters and recognise that common sense is generally profitable. In recent years common sense has become an oxymoron, a bit like customer service, but those businesses that can demonstrate honesty and trust with customers and staff will be the winners. The irony is that trust has probably always been high on your list of criteria when looking for a new supplier, but it seems OK to forgoe  some of those criteria when selling to customers..? It’s just a healthy balance sheet…

Here’s my Top Five tips;

• Have a clear manifesto on how to deal with colleagues, suppliers and customers, with no exemptions.
• Test, measure and publish results of processes and initiatives.
• Be wary of short-term gain, it can bring long-term pain.
• Add value to whatever you do.
• Be cheerful! Find a way to enjoy (at least parts of) your business.