Jon Clifton

Why We Chose Him:

“Gallup helps the whole world be heard,” says Jon Clifton, “so there is no mistake about what is on people’s minds.”

What a perfect candidate for our feature on knowledge, and what an incredibly noble and humanitarian mission. Most people have undoubtedly heard of the Gallup organization from its many polls that are often cited in news reporting, but the extent to which the organization goes to get that info is incredible, not to mention its intentions in doing so.

“In more than 140 countries, Gallup gives people everywhere a voice on issues such as hunger, work, well-being, financial inclusion, physical health, and personal safety,” proudly declares Jon. “We do this because we’ve been surprised at how often leaders are wrong about what’s in the hearts and minds of their constituencies. And when they’re wrong--the more they lead, the worse they make the world.”

We could not have summed up the reasoning for making companies that promote knowledge a cornerstone annual feature in our Social Capital section, but Clifton elaborates, helping to beautifully spell out Gallup’s mission and our ultimate mission at Social Capital as well.

Says Jon, “Gallup exists to inform leaders about what’s on the minds of employees, customers, students, and citizens so they can make the world a better place.”

Gallup’s contribution to the wealth of public knowledge for public good and its intent to constantly improve the state of mankind through the dissemination of knowledge goes even beyond its extraordinary polls and analytics. It uses that knowledge to build an ever-expanding platform of guidance for others in how to run their companies with the same noble and effective strategies.

Or as the company likes to describe itself, “Gallup is a global analytics and advice firm that helps leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems.”

As we have written about over and over again in this section, one of those most pressing issues is how companies can take care of their employees. Gallup knows better than anyone how challenging and important that can be. And it pulls out the stops to use its knowledge on that subject to make you and your employees more prosperous and happier.

“We know more about the will of employees, customers, students and citizens than anyone in the world,” its website proudly states. “We know what matters most to them at work and in life and how those priorities change over time. And we use that knowledge to create transformation.”

Gallup’s admirable, and correct, mindset is that “Growing employees are high-performing employees.” So the company offers a slew of development, resources, and training for leaders and managers. And its leadership practices what they preach with their own employees as well, working hard to earn Gallup the reputation as one of the most “engaged organizations in the world.”

Gallup’s desire to recognize and promote Social Capital-friendly companies that promote people first and foremost even led it to creating the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Awards for “recognizing Organizations That Change the Way the World Works,” and that “celebrate organizations that are committed to developing human potential.”

Thanks, Jon. Sounds like we are kindred souls for sure.