Every successful business is defined by two hallmarks. The first is that it makes a product or a service which people are willing to pay for and which adds value to the community.
Although there may be arguments with regard to certain businesses and the quality of the product or the environmental impact, it is probably clear that certain businesses don’t add value (drug dealers, organized crime) and that some which are purely charitable can be included even though someone other than the end users of the service is subsidizing it.
The second success characteristic is that the business is operated in such a way that those associated with it can thrive.
“Thrive” means that employees, customers, vendors, others are personally better off because of their association with the company. Compensation is included and so is a fair profit as well as the opportunity for professional growth and training. Treating people well is included as well as inviting their ideas and opinions. High expectations are part of this because people tend to work to the level of what is expected of them. Also included is the freedom to develop new ways of reaching goals.
Helping people thrive is good for them and good for the company, and good for the community from which come both customers and employees. Only strong associates will offer great ideas, take risks for the future, and be ambassadors for the company.
People will always respond exactly as they are treated.