The Balance Between Business and Humanity

I think I might be a cliché, but when I start a company, I want my employees to feel like they’re part of a family.

Every now and then, I see people get laid off without warning or any form of recourse. Just like a friend of mine, who was trying his best. Maybe his best wasn’t good enough, but isn’t that a reflection of the leadership? Or is it just transactional, where an employee is paid to perform and discarded when they can’t keep up?

I believe this is unfair. If a critical employee decides to leave with their valuable knowledge, the business suffers. So much for payback, huh? You don’t see that because the company will probably become angry with the person.

Someone recently asked me what I’m all about. After some reflection, I realised I love working with data and the idea of forming genuine friendships with employers, colleagues, and someday, my employees. This is rare, especially in large companies and remote work environments. I plan to explore this in a series on remote work.

Treat your employees like they make a difference, and they will.

Jim Goodnight

I often ponder the balance between business profitability and human decency. They say character is who you are when no one is watching, and that how you do anything is how you do everything. How does this apply to the workplace? Does it operate on different, more extreme principles? Must one develop thick skin to survive in the business world?

What sacrifices do leaders make to become successful? Are harsh decisions, tough skin, and letting go of underperforming employees the keys to success? We’ve always been told that strategy, innovation, and building the right product are what make a business thrive. I want to believe that having a good and dedicated team is also a crucial element. But how does a team member stay motivated and committed when they know their worth is measured purely by performance and efficiency?

So, what must employees do to stay ahead in this unforgiving landscape? No one can stay relevant forever. Is that what retirement is about—acknowledging that you can’t keep up and stepping aside while you’re still ahead? I read that many retirees are forced into it because they become irrelevant.

Should everyone aim to build a company? Where is the balance? Who is the balance? When I reflect on this, I see that we humans are the ones driving these decisions. What are we chasing, and what’s the ultimate goal for the workplace? Is this why people can’t wait to start life outside of work? Is this why work will always be seen as just a means to an end?

When companies discuss annual metrics, it’s often about revenue, profitability, and efficiency. But what happens when a company starts focusing on other metrics like employee wellness and genuine support? Not just what’s written on paper or the guidelines on the company’s about page, but a real, actionable culture.

I have been fortunate to have had the best bosses throughout my career—people who truly care about employees. I hope to someday be as great as these managers of mine. Working under people like this makes you understand that while some layoffs are inevitable, many stem from poor leadership and character.

These are qualities I look for in interviews—whether the company and the line manager align with my values.

These are some thoughts I’ve been grappling with. Until next time, peace.