As a civilization, we learn fairly early in our maturation the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’. As children, we perhaps were told, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.” Perhaps, later on, we listen to the music of the Rolling Stones, and we hear, “You can’t always get what you want.” Indeed, we learn through experience that there are areas of control, spheres of influence, and choices that will yield specific results. What we want and what we need are separate, not always equal, and yet, worth discussion and evaluation. While ‘wanting’ may be superfluous and unattainable, we know that ‘needing’ may be existential. The concluding Stones’ lyrics to the opening refrain are tantamount. “You can’t always get what you want/But if try sometimes, you might find/you get what you need.”
With the start of 2022, it has been meaningful to reflect on the collaborations and dialogue of 2021. In so many instances, we have never seen more interest and dedication to social impact causes. Whether a company or individual identify as ‘woke’ is unimportant, but what is critical is the world order being full of passion, ideas, and appreciation for what is important in life. It has been wildly positive and uplifting to work with companies that took a breadth, considered their role and place in society, and approached 2021 with vigor and purpose…. Irrespective of the global pandemic. Companies are finally finding clarity between want and need. And that clarity is this: Companies need a bottom line, and ROI, and they need to make social justice and social causes a fundamental value pillar.
There is no doubt that both 2020 and 2021 brought on fatigue and tumult. We have all learned how to weather our patience being tested, the off/on again of mask mandates, travel bans, remote learning. We have all learned to be a bit of a rolling stone. There are positive takeaways, too. The commitment to social impact is stronger than ever. 2021 was evidence for Prosono that when times get tough, social impact needs become more prevalent. In business enterprises, we should continue to have our lists of wants, our annual goals and objectives. However, we should never lose sight of that which keeps us grounded. Our needs for justice, change, equality, and fairness may more often be the path to true contentment and accomplishment.