In the midst of building a successful business, Tom Chappell realized he felt "emptiness and confusion." It was then that the cofounder and president of Tom's of Maine, maker of personal-care products, decided to make values the center of his life.
His quest to learn how to "lead with values" took him to Harvard Divinity School, where he grappled with the challenges of living in a culture "overly concerned with the bottom line." He remained president of Tom's of Maine throughout his studies and engaged his board of directors in philosophical discussions "about the greater values." Through boardroom conversations about profits versus environmental sensitivity, society's interconnectedness, and the meaning of life, the company forged a guiding philosophy of "goodness for goodness' sake."
This philosophy has led Tom's of Maine to "give back" to the community. Today, employees are asked to devote 5 percent of their work time to community service—about two hours a week for each employee.
Tom's of Maine also contributes 10 percent of its profits to worthy causes and often teams up with other groups in community service efforts. For example, the company recently donated money to purchase recycling containers for the community, and employees worked with teachers and students to organize clubs to promote the recycling effort.
Chappell's decision to "integrate the head with the heart" has led to financial success and, more important, personal satisfaction. "I began my business chasing rainbows and they eluded me," Chappell told his General Session audience. "Now, rainbows are waiting at my front door every morning."