The traits that characterize successful social enterprises are similar to those of organizations that are effective in undertaking cultural and process change.
Authentic People: Business leaders who influence others and lead by example, rather than compel through orders, policies or directives, achieve greater long-term gains and more successful outcomes. Managing the team and employing people in accordance with their capabilities in social is key to organizational success.
Sound Process: A successful social process follows a series of steps focused on a set of objectives and a clear vision. Building the team, focusing on short-term wins, and removing barriers to allow for sustained momentum is common among successful social enterprises. Process enhancement and sustainment is largely a function of then promoting or hiring the right people who understand the social strategy. Focus should be on the new behaviors and organizational success while formalizing the leadership development and succession plan.
Supportive Tools/Technology: Education, training and reinforcement can be facilitated with tools like workbooks, playbooks and technologies to accelerate performance. Develop social competency internally and leverage best in class vendors as needed along the growth path to accelerate what is working.
Personal Experience: Ensure that all personnel are receiving the information they need to be successful in their personal process of change. Learning new skills to increase relevance in the digital economy can be rewarding and fun when presented in the right context.
Statistics
7.91 billion global population in 2022
5.31 billion global mobile users in 2022
4.95 billion global internet users in 2022
4.62 billion global social media users in 2022
*source: The Global State of Digital 2022 – Hootsuite & wearesocial
Take Aways
Employees will experience social business change differently. Evaluate and manage through the lens of how effectively employees are understanding and embracing the change process.
Ensure that your execution of the social vision and strategy isn't a discreet event with a beginning and end. The social enterprise is the new normal and social business will eventually just become part of your operational model.
Be candid and open about the evolution of the organization along the social journey. Transparency and honesty are great motivators for employees to embrace the new, innovative direction.