Many companies view corporate social responsibility as a program bolted onto their current business model as a means to enhance their public image or improve their community standing; and while these programs are admirable, they are simply not our way of pursuing our mission. Instead of adding social responsibility to our business model as an afterthought, we had it as our very reason for starting The Redwoods Group. We exist only to Serve Others. This is a concept best described in the following story:

A young carpenter immigrates to the United States from Italy, unable to speak a word of English. Upon arrival, he moves into a small apartment by himself and begins looking for a job in construction. With some luck and a lot of hard work, he quickly lands a job at a local construction site. Over the coming weeks he learns how to say “hello” and “goodbye” to his English-only coworkers. As time goes on, he is able to learn more complex phrases and commands and is now able to begin taking on jobs that better match his level of expertise.

We believe that this story illustrates the nature of reacting to difficult, stressful, and, yes, painful situations by reverting to what you know best. This is the reason that coaches ask their players to make certain actions “instinctual” – simply, when times get tough, we will fall back on our native language.

With companies that have “bolted” a social mission onto their standard profit-machine, we fear that tough times will cause them to abandon their noble pursuits as they revert to the native language of profit and the maximization of shareholder value. As our native language never was and never will be one of existing to make a profit, we will respond in our own native language: the language of service. Our actions are dictated by our need to protect and improve the quality of life in our communities.

To learn more about our commitment to service and how you can get involved visit our “Serve Others” page.