Free guide · Principled Business
Make the Case.
The 7 mistakes business leaders make when they talk about capitalism, and what to say instead.
Many business leaders know the story about business is wrong. Few have the words for a better one. Take the 5-minute self-assessment, see which mistakes you're making, then get the one-page guide and worksheet to fix them.
- 5 minutes. Seven yes-or-no questions, scored instantly in your browser.
- One page. Every mistake with a better line to use instead.
- Ready to use. A worksheet to write your 60-second value creation story.
The challenge
Free enterprise has produced extraordinary gains in human well-being. Yet the dominant story casts business as exploitative, zero-sum and morally suspect. When those who understand value creation stay silent, others define the story of capitalism for them. Most leaders don't need more conviction. They need better words, and the confidence to use them.
How well do you make the case?
Answer honestly. Nothing is saved or sent; it's scored in your browser.
1.When profit comes up in public, I tend to downplay it or change the subject.
2.When I defend free enterprise, I talk about "the market" more than about my own company's customers and people.
3.When business is criticized, I usually respond on my critic's terms: greed, fairness, exploitation.
4.If someone asked what my company is for, my first answer would be about returns.
5.In the past year, I haven't said anything public about why business is a force for good.
6.Inside my company, people would hesitate to point out a mistake or challenge a decision.
7.I don't have a group of peers I regularly talk with about these ideas.
0 of 7 answered
The 7 mistakes.
- 01
Apologizing for profit
- 02
Defending "the system" instead of telling your story
- 03
Arguing on your critics' terms
- 04
Making shareholder value the purpose
- 05
Staying silent
- 06
Saying it outside, not living it inside
- 07
Going it alone
The guide gives you the fix for each, with a better line to use instead.
Get the one-page guide and worksheet.
Free. The 7 mistakes, what to say instead, and a worksheet to write your 60-second value creation story. Download instantly after you sign up.
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Principled Business
Make the Case.
The 7 mistakes business leaders make when they talk about capitalism, and what to say instead.
- 01Apologizing for profit
- 02Defending "the system" instead of telling your story
- 03Arguing on your critics' terms
A worksheet to write your 60-second value creation story.
Put it into practice
Make the case in a room full of people who do.
The Principled Business Summit brings together founders, investors and executives from a network of 30,000 values-aligned investors and founders to mark 250 years of capitalism. Three days of ideas, conversations and connections in Austin.
Want to go deeper first? Value Creation Thinking is a free three-part video course by Bartley J. Madden on how great companies create value that lasts. About 76 minutes.
Take the free course →