CEO invited by Soul HR Consulting talks about the importance of the “social” dimension within organizations and how to engage teams with the future of society in mind

By: Ana Carolina Sá and Clara Briggs

In the corporate world, it has become increasingly common for companies to adopt social practices, aiming above all at a better future for employees and for society. According to José Roberto Dalbem, CEO and Board Member, when we look at the differences and vulnerabilities that exist around us, we are led to understand that a culture geared toward social development is important both for people and for the company’s purpose.

There is a lot of talk about ESG today, but for it to be successfully implemented in an organization, we must start with well-structured Governance that ensures good results, with part of those results directed to supporting the other pillars (Social and Environmental). It is essential “to think about strategy in the long term. Otherwise, there will be neither a society nor a planet to sustain the organization’s services and products.”

From there, with humility, humanity and concern for our surroundings, it is possible to develop a team that is engaged with social causes, but for that to happen, the example must come from the top. For the executive, social development practices must be adopted starting with an organization’s top leadership. Once they become part of the organization’s day-to-day, “it all gains momentum and takes shape. Things start to move on their own; in other words, once people identify with a social project, they begin bringing requests to leadership, which must assess them and respond when they make sense.” At that point, it is up to the leader to understand the process and to know what is truly connected to the intended purpose.

Adding to his point of view, Dalbem highlights how volunteer work comes about. As we begin to feel the reality and notice the socioeconomic differences and disparities we are exposed to every day, we are led to ask ourselves what we can do to make an impact on the society around us, and that is when the thought arises of how the organization can be part of the solution for a better world. This is the moment when leaders and the entire executive team need to act to spread that purpose, since “it needs to be spread equally, be part of the company’s DNA and be practiced by everyone in the organization, regardless of position or role.”

With visits to various CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) as part of his routine, he experiences their reality firsthand and underscores the privileged position we find ourselves in [Dalbem and the interviewers]. Drawing on his experiences, José Roberto Dalbem leaves a piece of advice for those who wish to get involved in social projects:

“To anyone who truly wants to know how they can contribute to a better society and be part of the solution for a better world, I suggest visiting at least one organization every month or two, to feel firsthand what it is all about. You will be transformed.”