What does ‘delivering Impact’ mean, and why does it matter?
Ākina CEO Nicola Nation takes a closer look at what we mean when we say “impact”, why impact matters now more than ever before, and what you can do about it!
In 2021 it’s difficult to avoid the impact of Covid-19, specifically, the Delta variant, in our everyday lives. Our businesses, our movements and our personal freedoms have been impacted. Some of the impacts of the Government’s Covid response have been so extensive, with such significant consequences, that the legality of them is being tested through the courts.
In a similar vein, the positive impact of vaccination can be seen around the globe and throughout history. Polio, rubella, measles – chicken pox is no longer the blistered and uncomfortable experience that it was during my childhood.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact. It has had consequences, both foreseen and unforeseen, some positive and many negative. The impact of Covid-19 has been measured, communicated, researched and forecasted.
What can observations about the global pandemic teach us about delivering positive social and environmental impact?
What do we mean by “impact”?
Think influence, impression, results, effect, affect, even footprint. Everything we do has an impact, both positive and negative, intended and unintended.
At the Ākina Foundation we define impact as “The positive social, cultural or environmental changes, or outcomes, that happen as a consequence of an action”.
We live and breathe impact at Ākina. Not just any type of footprint or influence, we double down on positive social, environmental and cultural impact. We strive to illuminate intended and positive outcomes and minimize unintended consequences.
We believe – and continue to demonstrate – that enterprise (or business) is the best vehicle to achieve and scale sustainable positive impact. We believe that business, including profit, can be delivered while supporting people and the planet to thrive.
Vaccinations show us how taking collective action can reduce negative impact, and lead to positive outcomes
Why does this matter more than ever before?
Ākina is a social enterprise. That means we’re driven by our purpose – to increase the positive outcomes made by our clients and partners. Having purpose and, critically, understanding how to fulfil your purpose, is integral to delivering impact.
This matters because shareholders, employees, investors and customers are increasingly demanding that businesses demonstrate the positive impact they have through their operations. Stakeholders want to know how your activity leads to good outcomes. In other words; how is the world a better place because your business exists? It’s a fair question, and a good one. This matters because it provides your business with a social license to operate and it’s simply the right thing to do. This great insight from Berl talks about the importance of accountability and trust in your kaupapa.
“We’re interested in accountability beyond accounting standards and financial bottom lines, and would like to look at the different ways in which organisations are held to account by employees, investors, consumers, communities, and other stakeholders. Living Wage, social accounting, corporate social responsibility frameworks, social licence to operate, and social impact are all ways organisations can approach accountability.”
If the idea of accountability does not feel compelling, your social, cultural and environmental impact matters because government procurement policy says it matters. If you want to do business with government you will need to demonstrate and prove your positive impact.
With an acknowledged climate emergency, our environmental impact matters like never before. Aotearoa New Zealand’s final emissions reduction plan is still taking shape – but it will impact all of us. The climate crisis requires collective action to address, so we all need to make positive changes in how we live, how we get around and how our businesses run.
Purpose and impact are linked – hand in glove. When you can rally around your organisation’s purpose you will deliver on your impact, but you need to take the time to really understand what that impact is.
What can you do about this?
Running a business that is required to make money, meet compliance requirements and understand its positive impact may seem overwhelming – particularly when trying to stay sane during lockdown, be a balanced human and remembering to be kind.
The most beautiful things in the world are often the most simple. One of my favourite quotes is from Anne Frank, who had the insight and grace to reflect:
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
The most simple thing we can all do to improve the world is to consciously think about our impact. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a business owner, an employee or an investor, take time to observe your impact – both positive and negative – on the world around you.
If you are not consciously thinking about how your business can deliver positive social and environmental impact, what’s the point of the hard mahi? We are working hard to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic but what are we working towards? If the point is to make loads of money – great, but what legacy will your profitability leave behind? What is the impact of all of this?
Once you’ve considered your impact, think about what you can do to increase your positive impact in your business, as an employee or as an investor. Here are some simple examples to help get you started:
Ask someone how they are today. Listen to the answer.
Ask your team what they care about and how they can be supported to achieve those things through their work.
Ask your senior leaders how your organisation’s mission has a positive impact on he tangata (people) and papatūānuku (the planet).
Are you giving corporate gifts this Christmas? Plant a tree instead.
Grab a subscription for office coffee that’s fair trade and organic.
Stop running promotional giveaways. It generally ends up as landfill.
Take some time to learn what your KiwiSaver is investing in.
Switch off the lights! Turn down the air-con!
The impact of Covid has been far-reaching, however with vaccination, it will be increasingly curtailed. We need to hold onto this example of how we took collective action to create a positive impact.
Your impact is your legacy. Your legacy is your impact. Start increasing your positive impact today – you needn't wait a single moment.