ROV A ‘return on value’ mindset
A.S.P.I.R.E for positive impact if you want a rewarding life
During a recent trip to the united Kingdom, i had the pleasure of addressing the Cambridge university Malaysia Society (CUMAS).
The topic “return on Value (ROV): Harmonising Purpose, needs and Expectations” was inspired by my observations of worrying shifts in society, especially when it comes to prioritising self, money, and a narrow concept of success.
now, there’s nothing wrong in wanting to make money. Financial security, after all, helps with family harmony, peace of mind, lower stress levels and more.
However, it is easy to fall into a deep abyss where the pursuit of riches overtakes everything else, leading to the exact opposite of what financial security brings.
Thus, consciously harmonising our values, knowledge and skills with the purpose we choose to serve can help better calibrate our ROV to others and ourselves.
Return on investment (ROI)
roi, a universally accepted performance measure, is at its core a metric to evaluate the benefits an investor will get in return for an investment. it is a popular tool in decision-making processes, guiding individuals and organisations in allocating resources and capital.
However, problems arise when roi becomes synonymous with success, and is linked to the size of one’s bank account. To compound matters, social media has exacerbated the “show-off ” culture, described by the younger generation as “flexing”.
This roi focus has led to multiple problems along ethical, social and environmental lines. One example is the fostering of a scarcity and competition mindset, which prioritises self-interest over collective prosperity.
This “winner takes it all” mindset hinders collaboration, undermines trust, and threatens sustainability. it also leads to unethical practices and the exploitation of resources, labour (including child labour), and the environment.
We have witnessed many examples where corporations prioritise short-term profits over ethical considerations, resulting in devastating consequences for people and the planet.
Oxfam reports that the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has reached alarming levels, with the top 1% in the world owning 63% of the (new) wealth generated between 2019 and 2021.
i called upon our young charges to consider the shift towards an ROV mindset. This shift requires us to consider not only the economic but also the social, environmental and ethical returns of our endeavours.
We need to evaluate success through a broader lens, which encompasses societal well-being, environmental sustainability and ethical governance. Only by doing so, can we build a more just, equitable and sustainable world for future generations.
True success should be measured by the positive impact we have on people’s lives, the health of our planet, and the sustainability of our communities.
We must be personally invested in ROV by digging deep and discovering our true north. The idiom, made famous by author Prof Bill george in his best-selling book of the same name, refers to the inner calling that serves as our guide on the path to being our genuine selves.
Our true north must be anchored by core values which serve as a foundation for the way we live our lives, conduct business, and interact with others. Core values can be deeply ingrained, often influencing our priorities and ethical standards.
Professionally, the core values of the organisation i have been with for the past 32 years – integrity, humility and excellence – have brought me fulfilment and meaning as opposed to jobs where one can make the money but not be impactful.
Encouraging our young
So, during my talk, i told the Cantabrigians that i A.S.P.I.R.E for them to shift from the roi to the ROV mindset:
in acknowledging the various global challenges of this era, such as climate change, poverty and greed, one can be motivated to act, to try and make a difference by innovating and finding solutions.
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” while Martin Luther King said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” indeed, there is no greater satisfaction than to serve, support and help those around us.
> Purpose and Intention Young people today have better opportunities compared to their peers from the previous generation. While it is easy to be selfish in order to stand out, it is more rewarding to be purposeful with your actions and to always have good intentions – trust me, what goes around comes around.
> Relationships
The longest study on human happiness, conducted by Harvard over a period of 85 years, found that the number one factor in happiness is relationships – not money, fame, power or food! relationships are the biggest determinants in longevity of life, quality and meaning. in the good and the bad times, having someone there means more than anything money can buy.
> Equity
Equity here is not just financials; it’s the multi-faceted values one can gain from positive surroundings and environments. Wealth can be built as one goes through life by practising good spending and investment habits. rather than worrying about how much you earn at the start of your career, look for good opportunities, good mentors (bosses), and good organisations which will help you develop and go far in life.
A.S.P.I.R.E for greater heights of success, the power to shape the future, to inspire change, and to be catalysts for progress in a world which craves compassion, empathy and innovative solutions. i wish all of you well in your ROV journey.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the group chief executive officer at Sunway Education. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.